CORONAVIRUS
COVID-19 is a new coronavirus first detected in the Hubei Province in China in December 2019. With thousands of confirmed cases in China, the novel coronavirus has spread internationally to South Korea, Japan, Italy, and others, including the United States. International health organizations continue to learn more about this virus, including development of vaccines.
Washington County’s Departments of Public Health and Public Safety in conjunction with County Administration are continuing to work closely with our state and federal health agencies to monitor the spread of the disease and act decisively to ensure we are as prepared as possible to keep Washington County safe and healthy.
STAY UP TO DATE AND INFORMED
Washington County will be distributing a community update message via email as needed based on case activity, which will include updated COVID-19 information and statistics. If you’re interested in receiving the update message, sign up here.
CASE STATUS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Currently, our Washington County Public Health professionals continue monitoring a number local residents (statistics shown below) who either reported close contact with a subject testing positive for COVID-19 and quarantined, or were tested accordingly for COVID-19.
| COVID-19 CASES | PERSONS UNDER MONITORING |
| CONFIRMED | RECOVERED | DECEASED | ACTIVE | RELEASED |
| 2,859 | 2,797 | 38 | 86 | 10,962 |
Case Status data updated: 08/01/2020, 8:00 AM
*Privacy note: While we understand many in our communities would like to know more specific information about the COVID-19 positive patients and their locations, due to privacy regulations coupled with the county’s privacy policy, Washington County will not routinely release specific identifying information about patients (i.e., age, location) unless it aids in the Public Health investigation and identification of additional PUIs. Please remember, the identified PUIs and COVID-19 patients are under quarantine for 10 days from the date of exposure and are not out in the public. Public Health conducts a public health investigation on every COVID-19 positive patient and makes notification to those identified as having close personal contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.
NOTES ON RECENT CASE ACTIVITY
Since Friday's report, six new COVID-19 + cases were added / processed, there were three new recoveries of active cases and three current cases are hospitalized. Our Public Health and contact tracing team continues to work through the investigations of these new cases, identifying three of the six new cases with ties to other cases / investigations and the three remaining cases have no identified origin of exposure at this time. Of the six new cases added, one had been fully vaccinated (received the Pfizer vaccine) and is experiencing minor symptoms. Our Public Health team is strongly encouraging those not vaccinated to consider vaccination, and those who are not feeling well to STAY HOME and GET TESTED, limiting the potential of exposing others is critical to keeping the spread of the virus under control!
ACTIVE COVID-19 CASE MAP BY TOWN (Updated 8/01/2021)
Based on the recent increases in COVID-19 cases, we're releasing an updated graphic map showing the active COVID-19 + cases by town as of this morning (August 1, 2021) - provided the active case count remains above ten, we will return to releasing the map weekly. ⚠: Please understand that the absence of confirmed cases in a community does not mean there is not a COVID-19 risk in that community. We are encouraging everyone in our communities to ensure to take all necessary precautions while out in public. There is no one area that is "safer" from exposure to COVID-19 than another!
CDC UPDATES "PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS"
On July 27, 2021, the CDC issued an updated set of recommendations for fully vaccinated people, the full guidance can be found on the CDC's website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html
As of 08/01/2021 at 8:00 AM, Washington County remains in the MODERATE category for "Level of Community Transition", according to the CDC.
COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS - UPDATE
ANOTHER ROUND OF VACCINATION EVENTS COMPLETED!
Our dedicated team of professionals from the Washington County, NY Public Health Department and EMS Vaccination Team (led by Paramedics and members of the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, Inc and other county EMS agencies) have completed another round of community vaccination events, wrapping up events Friday (at the Washington County Fair) and Saturday (at Hicks Orchard)! An additional 48 #ShotsInArms were administered, continuing our goal to bring the vaccinate to anyone in our communities wishing to be vaccinated. THANK YOU to our dedicated Public Health & EMS team members for continuing this critical work, to our hosts at the Washington County Fair and Hicks Orchard, and to everyone who attended to get their shot and help #vaccinatewashingtoncounty!
WHY GET VACCINATED?
Building defenses against COVID-19 in our communities is a team effort, each and every one of us is a key part of that defense and adds another layer of protection against COVID-19. Everyone (living or working in NYS) age 16 and over are eligible for vaccination today! Have questions about the vaccines themselves or the process? The AdCouncil has a great info site here with all the answers to help you decide which vaccine is right for you 👉 http://getvaccineanswers.org
LOOKING FOR VAX FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY? REGISTER TODAY!
Our Public Health & EMS Vaccination Team members are also continuing to conduct local community vaccination efforts, including taking the vaccine on the road to our homebound community members. To register for information regarding our community vaccination events or homebound vaccination through Washington County, register on our website here: washingtoncountyny.gov/vaccineregistry
I WANT TO BE VACCINATED, WHAT CAN I DO?
County Public Health is only one of the many options available for access to vaccination (and many of the others receive larger allocations of vaccine than the counties), we encourage everyone in our communities to ensure you explore every available option if you want to be vaccinated!
For the latest information on the COVID-19 Vaccine and NYS Vaccine Distribution Program, check the state's website here: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Our team at Washington County, NY Public Health Department remains committed to ensuring all those in our county who wish to be vaccinated can be vaccinated! The distribution of vaccine is an extensive process and will take a significant amount of time to get to everyone (approximately 14 weeks for those currently eligible), we are required to abide by the stipulations as set forth in the state's distribution program and are limited by supply. We encourage everyone to stay up to date, informed and be patient as we all work through these challenges together.
NYS COVID-19 "VACCINE TRACKER"
Governor Cuomo recently released a statewide system tracking delivery of vaccine by residency of the person(s) vaccinated. To view the date published by the state relative to vaccine distribution and delivery, you can view the Vaccine Tracker here: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-tracker .
UPDATED "BREAKTHROUGH" COVID-19 CASE STATISTICS
Our Washington County, NY Public Health Department team continues to track our local COVID-19 vaccination statistics and monitor the "breakthrough" (COVID-19 + cases of those who are fully vaccinated) cases investigated within the county. As of this morning, the #nysvaccinetracker shows 32,011 people in Washington County have received the completed vaccine series, 33,604 have received at least one dose (or 54.9% of the population). To date, of the 32,011 fully vaccinated people in Washington County, investigative efforts have identified 23 breakthrough cases, in which a new positive COVID-19 case has been fully vaccinated. Of the 23 current breakthrough cases, two had been hospitalized related to COVID-19, the remainder experienced no or mild symptoms. Here's the "breakthrough" cases by vaccine:- 16 - Received Pfizer
- 6 - Received J&J (Janssen)
- 1 - Received Moderna
IS YOUR COVID-19 TEST RESULT PENDING? QUARANTINE!
If you've been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting your results PLEASE ensure you remain quarantined until your results return! We have seen recent cases with preventable exposures of those who continued their daily routine without quarantining while awaiting results, which returned positive. Need info on how and where to get tested? We've got you covered here: http://bit.ly/COVIDTestFinder
SYMPTOMS
The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
The CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to areas of concern, contact your health provider by phone immediately.
COVID-19 TESTING SITES & INFORMATION
Testing sites for COVID-19 can be found by searching the state’s COVID-19 testing site here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you
PREVENTION
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
HOW YOU CAN HELP - VOLUNTEER & DONATION PROGRAM
PUBLIC / COMMUNITY INFORMATION
SPECIALIZED INFORMATION
CYBERSECURITY INFORMATION ON COVID-19
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.
CISA encourages individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions.
