Coronavirus Update, May 18, 2020

In Tompkins County the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 stands at 141 as of Sunday. Sampling Site numbers from Monday will be reflected in Tuesday’s update. According to the Tompkins county health department, 1 person remains hospitalized for the virus. 117 of the positive cases have recovered, and over 6300 people have been tested in total.

The drive thru sampling site at The Shops at Ithaca Mall has differing hours for the week of May 18-25:

Tuesday, 5/19: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Wednesday, 5/20: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Thursday, 5/21: 8:30 AM–6:30 PM

Friday, 5/22: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Saturday, 5/23: 8:30 AM–12:00 Noon

Monday, 5/25: CLOSED for Memorial Day

Pre-register online at cayugahealth.org/ or call 607-319-5708.

There are 2 new confirmed cases of the virus in Schuyler County as of today. According to health department officials 9 out of 12 people who were infected with the virus have recovered. Over 920 people have been tested in total.

There are over 1200 new cases of COVID-19 in New York State as of today, bringing the statewide total to over 351,000, according to the state department of health.

It was announced today by Governor Cuomo that in addition to Central New York, North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley Regions, Western New York has now met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the state's regional phased reopening plan. The region will begin its phase 1 reopening process tomorrow.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said over the weekend that the state has reached a capacity to test 40,000 people for COVID-19 a day. State diagnostic testing criteria includes people who could return to the workplace in phase one of the regional reopening — which as of now includes the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, and the North Country. Phase 1 industries include construction, agriculture, retail for curbside pickup, manufacturing and wholesale trade.

The Governor also said that Watkins Glen International Racetrack and horse racing tracks in New York may open June 1 — but without fans present.