Coronavirus Update, October 20, 2020
The Tompkins County Health Department is alerting local community members about several potential public exposures to COVID-19 at 3 Businesses in Ithaca.
Shoppers who went to Wegmans on the following dates and times should seek COVID-19 testing: Wednesday October 7th from 5-8:30pm, Thursday the 8th, from 5-8:45 p.m., Saturday October 10th from 4:45-9:15pm, or Sunday, October 11th from 2-8pm. If you were at Wegmans on those dates and times, you should seek COVID testing. Additionally, anyone who was at Ithaca Ale House on Friday, October 9 from 7-8:30pm, or Saturday the 10th from 2:30-4pm is asked to get tested. On the 10th there was also a risk of public exposure from 4-7pm at Liquid State Brewing Company. Anyone who thinks they've been exposed should get tested and monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19.
More information about the dates and times of the exposure, about how to get tested or to see a full list of symptoms, visit tompkinscountyny.gov/health or call 607-274-6688.
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Lansing high school students will be learning remotely for the next two weeks due to one student testing positive for COVID-19, The Ithaca Voice reports.
Lansing Central School District Superintendent Chris Pettograsso came to the decision on Monday because of the many staff and students that are isolating due to possible contact with the student. Initially, high school officials had been considering moving to remote learning for one week but determined that it was safer to make adjustments for a 14-day quarantine period.
As of today, Pettograsso affirms that the single student was still the only person at the high school that tested positive. She says that she is pleased with the safety precautions that the school is using and thanks students and staff for supporting the move to remote learning.
In other county school system news, Dryden Middle School and High school both had an unscheduled remote learning day today and will continue with its regular hybrid schedule starting Wednesday.
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Looking at the local COVID-19 caseload, the latest numbers, released Monday from the Tompkins County health department, indicate that there are 4 additional positives, and 6 new recoveries. According to the County Health Department, that leaves 59 active cases of COVID-19 in Tompkins. 9 are currently hospitalized with complications of the virus.
In Schuyler County, there are 5 new cases of COVID-19 reported as of Tuesday, according to their Health Department.
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Schuyler County Public Health Director Deb Minor announced Monday night that two residents of the county have died as a result of COVID-19 infection.
The two individuals were members of the same household, according to a press release. One person was a female in her 70s and the other person was a male in his 80s.
Minor expressed her condolences to the family of the two individuals. Schuyler County administrator Tim O’Hearn adds that the community is mourning the loss of two citizens whose lives were cut short by COVID-19.
Both Minor and O’Hearn caution that COVID-19 cases are rising quickly in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. They’ve pointed out that while many people with the illness suffer only mild symptoms, others become dangerously ill. O’Hearn implores county residents to employ measures to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
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Cayuga Medical Center is restricting the number of visitors that may enter its facility, amid an increase of COVID-19 infections this month.
The Odessa File reports that as of Monday night, certain visitors will not be allowed entry to the hospital during a patient’s stay until the restrictions are lifted. Exceptions to this rule include those assisting with delivering babies in Cayuga Birthplace. In addition, family members or legal representatives of patients in end-of-life care are allowed in the facility.
Some patients in the Emergency Room may also be permitted to have one person accompanying them. All persons entering the hospital will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
Officials at the hospital encourage patients to use phones and tablets to stay in touch with their loved ones. The hospital has e-devices available for patients to use if needed.
Contributing writing by WRFI News Volunteer Esther Racoosin