Local Coronavirus (COVID-19) Watch
Advice on Limiting the Spread of COVID-19 from the CDC
People carrying the coronavirus may lack symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others—before showing symptoms.
This means that the virus can spread to vaccinated or unvaccinated people interacting in close proximity with others.
Although serious illness is rare among vaccinated people, children and immune compromised people are particularly at risk. Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing is the best way to protect yourself, and those at most risk for serious illness.
People speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms—can spread the virus to vaccinated or unvaccinated people. The CDC provides guidelines for unvaccinated people as well as information on the safety and efficacy of COVID vaccines.
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. Testing is also offered at Schuyler Hospital.
Vaccination Information
Tompkins County Residents can learn more about vaccination here and register for vaccination appointments with a range of providers at the TCHD Vaccination web page.
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 including Corning, Binghamton, and Syracuse.
For more information you can call New York State's COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.
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.
Food Aid in Tompkins and Schuyler Counties
There are multiple organizations offering food aid to residents. See below for specific options available.
Latest Updates
An Ithaca nursing home has become one of the first in the state to reach 100 percent vaccination of both residents and workers. According to…
Not all healthcare workers in New York State are required to have a Covid-19 vaccination. Governor Cuomo’s August mandate requiring vaccinations by September 27th only…
Tompkins County Health Department has released new guidance for third and booster doses of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. A booster dose is recommended for certain…
TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY — TC3 is following SUNY’s student vaccination mandate made after the FDA approved the Pfizer COVID vaccine earlier this week. Now all…
ITHACA, NY — Tompkins County is seeing a high transmission rate of COVID-19, prompting the Health Department to recommend masking in all local schools. As…
Tompkins County’s weekly COVID update reports 6 new positive cases, and 7 active cases. Schuyler County has no new cases of the Coronavirus and zero…
Cornell University is planning a full reopening in the fall. Nearly all classes will be in-person with seating that will not require social distancing. Students…
Tompkins County Interim-County Administrator gives a virtual presentation on how Tompkins County could spend American Rescue Plan Funds on the County’s Capital Program (Provided) Tompkins…
Tompkins County is reporting 1 new case COVID-19, and a total of 10 active cases. Schuyler County is reporting no new cases of the coronavirus,…
Tompkins County is reporting 2 new cases of COVID-19 and a total of 8 active cases. Schuyler County is reporting 0 new cases of the…
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
