TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. — The Tompkins County Health Department issued a health advisory on Friday after a bump in positive COVID-19 tests attributed to out of state travel over the holiday weekend.
The positive cases are connected to travel to states with significant increases of the virus as well as social gatherings held locally where distance and mask-wearing were not observed.
“We have come a long way, but we are not done with COVID-19. I strongly remind all residents to remain vigilant and take all precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Public Health Director Frank Kruppa in the advisory. “People traveling are still bringing the disease into our community, increasing the potential of spread. The Health Department is discouraging all non-essential travel to affected states. Masks are required in public spaces, especially indoors, where distance cannot be maintained. Masks and face-coverings are a simple measure we can all take to prevent exposing others to the virus.”
Kruppa also reminds Tompkins residents of the Travel Advisory issued by the county in light of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s order requiring people who had travels to states with “significant community spread. He also directs residents to the state website, where the list of affected states is updated weekly.
“Completing the full 14 days of quarantine is critical to keeping the disease from spreading,” said Kruppa. “Getting tested does not replace the full quarantine because a test is only one moment in time; you could test negative one day and positive a few days later as the disease incubates or you are exposed to a new source of COVID-19. We all have to stay vigilant.”
Individuals presenting symptoms or concerns about being exposed should seek a test.
Cayuga Health Sampling Site
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To pre-register, call Cayuga Health Call Center at (607) 319-5708, or visit cayugahealth.org