Spike in Cases Continues, Tompkins County Health Department Announces Virtual COVID-19 Update
TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY -- In response to a jump in COVID cases, the Tompkins County Health Department is hosting a virtual COVID-19 update on Thursday, August 5th.
The Health Department reported 20 new positive cases of the COVID-19 in Tompkins County for Wednesday, August 4th, and a total of 86 active cases.
The 7-day average for new infections has risen to 11 a day. This is the first major uptick in cases in Tompkins County since the vaccine’s roll out earlier this year.
The Health Department has issued mask-wearing guidance to the rise in case numbers. Indoor mask wearing is being recommended, but businesses and organizations are not being mandated to require masks.
The Health Department has yet to release information on the role of the Delta variant in the spike in cases, or the proportion of breakthrough cases in Tompkins County.
The Health Department’s Director, Frank Kruppa, is not set to speak at Thursday’s virtual COVID update. The Department wrote in an email sent to WRFI that Kruppa is on vacation.
Presenting the update will be County Medical Director Dr. William Klepack, Cayuga Health System CEO Dr. Martine Stallone, Interim County Administrator Lisa Holmes, and head of the Emergency Operations Center, Amie Hendrix. The event will be moderated by Tompkins County Legislator Shawn Black.
Prevalence of the virus in Tompkins County and vaccination progress is set to be discussed. The event will be live on the Tompkins County YouTube channel, and questions will be taken via the YouTube chat.