NEW CITY – The first cases of coronavirus in Rockland County have been confirmed, County Executive Edwin Day and Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said.
There are now a total of 33 confirmed cases in the state.
Two Rockland residents who were under quarantine had testing done and were confirmed with COVID-19 on Friday. They are currently under isolation at their homes. The county health department is in the process of conducting contact investigations and will make any additional public health notification as required.
Those residents were exposed in Westchester County. When they learned of their potential exposure and felt ill, they visited a local hospital in Rockland.
The Rockland County Department of Health is currently monitoring 10 persons under quarantine and is following CDC and New York State Department of Health protocols.
“Be assured that we anticipated this scenario and have been preparing for local cases of COVID-19. Help protect our community and limit the spread of viruses and bacteria by washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces and staying home if you are sick,” said Dr. Ruppert.
County officials recommend that Rockland residents take the following precautions to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19):
- Stay home if sick and contact your medical provider before visiting their office.
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay up to date on CDC travel health notices: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it.
