NEW CITY – In the wake of the announcement that two Rockland County residents have been confirmed to have coronavirus, the county has announced two locations in Monsey where persons may have been exposed to the illness if they visited them.
The locations are:
- 150 Remsen Avenue in Monsey on Friday, February 28 between 11a.m. and 11:45 p.m. or
- Saturday, February 29 between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- The Atrium Ballroom, 401 Route 59 in Monsey on Monday, March 2 between 2:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
“It was previously believed that these infected individuals had not worked as caterers during these events and it was only through the detective work of one of our investigators that this discovery was made,” said Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. “Any person who believes they may have been exposed should contact their health care provider by phone right away. I also ask that anyone who becomes ill with this disease be completely forthcoming with our investigators; it is only with your help that we can prevent the spread of this disease.”
The health department is asking all health care providers to immediately report all possible cases of COVID-19 to the county department of health Communicable Disease Program staff by calling 845-364-2997 during normal business hours, or 845-364-8600 after hours/weekends. Health care providers can call this number for additional information.
The county health department is currently monitoring 22 people under quarantine and is following CDC and New York State Department of Health protocols.
It is recommended 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.
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.
The New York State Department of Health has established a Novel Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065 to speak with a department expert who will answer questions, Monday – Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. After hours, you may leave a voicemail that will be returned.
