Local Coronavirus (COVID-19) Watch
Testing
Anyone can register for a COVID test at Tomkins County/Cayuga Health testing sites. Costs for tests from Cayuga Health are covered for all Tompkins County residents, and for anyone who is experiencing symptoms or may have been exposed.
The drive-thru testing center is located at the Shops at Ithaca Mall at 40 Catherwood Rd., and the walk-in site is 412 North Tioga St. in Ithaca. Testing is also offered at Schuyler Hospital.
Vaccination Information
Tompkins County Residents can check their eligibility and register for vaccination appointments with a range of providers at the TCHD Vaccination web page. Be sure to review the documentation required at the time of your appointment.
Schuyler County Residents can can check their eligibility and register for an appointment through the Schuyler County Public Health Vaccine page.
Vaccines are also available from state-run sites including nearby locations in Corning, Binghamton, and Syracuse. Use the state's tool to determine your eligibility and schedule appointments at these sites. If no appointments are shown for your chosen location, be patient and repeatedly refresh the page, a cancellation may appear after several minutes.
For more information you can call New York State's COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.
After You've Been Fully Vaccinated
According to the CDC, you can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Advice on Cloth Face Coverings from the CDC
Even after you're vaccinated, when you’re out and about, make sure to wear a mask and stay at least six feet away from others. The US Center for Disease Control recommends limiting close contact with others as much as possible. Remember, wearing a mask helps protect everyone around you and the life you save may just be your own.
Scientists are still not sure how contagious vaccinated people may be and how long the vaccination is effective. Many people carrying the novel coronavirus lack symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others—before showing symptoms.
This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. On April 15, 2020, NYS Governor Cuomo issued an executive order requiring the use of masks.
Learn to make cloth masks for yourself and others in need. Tutorials have been posted by The Washington Post, the New York Times, and, if you're in a pinch, try the Surgeon General's no-sew method. Listen to our interview with local mask makers.
Food Aid in Tompkins and Schuyler Counties
There are multiple organizations offering food aid to residents. See below for specific options available.
Protect yourself and those around you:
- If you are sick, stay home.
- If you think you have contracted COVID-19, perform the self check found here, and seek medical attention as needed.
- Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include: fever, cough and shortness of breath. Special caution should be taken if you or someone you've had close contact with is ill or is known to have been exposed to the virus.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If a tissue is not available, cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If hand washing is not immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead.
In public:
- Practice social distancing:
- Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people.
- Do not gather in groups.
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- Wear a cloth face covering - especially where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid handshakes and hugs, use an elbow bump instead.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
At home and work:
- Wash your hands thoroughly upon returning home.
- Use caution when bringing items into your home. Disinfect as needed.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects (doorknobs, light switches) and surfaces with a household cleaner.
Latest Updates
New York State will allow commencement events in 2021, including those hosting more than 500 guests. According to the Albany Times-Union, state public health directives…
On Wednesday, Schuyler County Public Health is holding a vaccine drive. They will be administering the first dose of the moderna vaccine to all adults…
Tompkins county has the highest vaccination rate in New York State among counties in it’s population bracket. Among all New York state counties, Tompkins comes…
Tompkins County residents 16 years and older can register for a a COVID vaccination without showing proof of employment or a comorbidity. Caregivers or family can…
The New York State Department of Health has now approved Tompkins county’s three colleges as sites for vaccination distribution. Cornell, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland…
Tompkins County is reporting 13 new cases of COVID-19, and a total of 179 active cases. One new patient has been hospitalized in Tompkins County.…
New York State Government is announcing that people 30 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine on Tuesday. Those 30 and above can…
Ithaca City School District officials are aiming to increase the number of students allowed in schools for in-person learning. School Superintendent Dr. Luvelle Brown and…
Tompkins county has 1,770 doses of the COVID vaccine for the week of March 22. All these doses are for essential workers in phases 1a…
The Tompkins County Health Department is reporting that three concerning variants of COVID-19 have appeared in Tompkins County. They are the variants commonly referred to…
Resources
Connect
Tompkins County Health Department or 607-274-6604
New York State Department of Health
NYS COVID-19 Hotline: 888-364- 3065
Mutual Aid Tompkins is neighbors supporting neighbors in the spirit of solidarity to meet survival needs
The Tompkins Mask Makers Facebook group is intended to bring together the various mask making projects in our county and allow individual mask makers to share tips, supplies, and connect with needs in our community. The group also has a website where you can order locally made cloth masks.
Follow Tompkins County Health Department on Facebook and Twitter
Follow WRFI Community Radio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
