ITHACA, N.Y.—The Tompkins County Health Department has announced that there were two potential public exposures to the coronavirus last week in the area. One came from someone who worked at the Ithaca Ale House during their potential exposure period, while another rode one route on a TCAT bus.
The potential exposure at the Ithaca Ale House took place on Friday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the TCAT bus ride took place on Wednesday, Nov. 25, Route 32, which departed from the Green Street bus station at 6 p.m.
Correction: A previous version of this story stated that the potential TCAT exposure took place on Nov. 15. That was a typo. The potential exposure took place on Nov. 25.
The health department is advising that anyone who was on that bus or in the Ithaca Ale House at that time seek testing.
“Anyone who may have been at Ithaca Ale House or on TCAT Route 32 during these times should seek a test and closely monitor themselves for symptoms. To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, we’re reminding everyone to continue to wear a mask, stay six feet apart, and consider density when going out,” stated Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director. “The Ithaca Ale House employee was wearing a mask at all times while serving the public and the business is following all COVID-19 precautions and cleaning protocols. TCAT requires all drivers and passengers to wear masks while on the bus and TCAT has extensive cleaning and safety measures in place.”
The directions are as follows:
- It is recommended that you get tested at a Cayuga Health Sampling Site:
- Mass Sampling Site: The Shops at Ithaca Mall parking lot, 40 Catherwood Rd. Regular hours, Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4:00PM.
- Downtown Sampling Site: 412 N. Tioga St. Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM
- Appointment Required. Register for an appointment online at cayugahealthsystem.org or call the Cayuga Health Call Center at 607-319-5708. Regular hours for the Call Center are Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4:00PM. Cayuga Health occasionally adds weekend or extended hours. Please call 607-319-5708 for updated information.
- Monitor your health for any symptoms of cough, fever, congestion, and shortness of breath for 14 days from the last time specified above that you were at this business. For a full list of symptoms, go to the TCHD website.
- If you seek testing and the result is negative, continue to monitor your health for the full 14 days from the last time specified above that you were at this business. If you become symptomatic, seek testing again.
- If potentially exposed, Cornell University students should contact Cornell Health at 607-255-5155; do not go to an arrival or surveillance testing site.
- All other students and community members should seek testing at a Cayuga Health Sampling Site.
A reminder that an additional testing site was established for those in the downtown area who don’t have ready access to transportation at 412 N. Tioga Street in Ithaca.