Tioga County COVID-19 Update for September 29, 2021 – October 5, 2021

Tioga County’s Public Health Department recently released the COVID-19 case breakdown in Tioga County, N.Y. from Sept. 29, 2021 to Oct. 5, 2021 as follows

According to the department there were 131 new cases during this time frame, up ten from the last reporting, with 48 unvaccinated and 50 vaccinated; there were 20 children under 12 reported as having tested positive for COVID, and there were 13 individuals with an unknown vaccination status, and nine hospitalizations. There are 180 current active cases.

The health department noted that vaccination status is self-reported by the positive case or their parent or guardian during the case investigation. Several factors may affect one’s protection against COVID-19 including which vaccine they received, how long it has been since they were vaccinated, and what precautions they are taking to protect themselves from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine offers protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, according to health officials.

As a reminder, the health department is urging anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, to stay home and get tested for COVID-19 to prevent further spread of the virus. 

They wrote, in their weekly brief, “If you are exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please follow directions from your local health department regarding your quarantine. If you are fully vaccinated and have a known exposure, please wear a mask in public and take extra precautions for 14 days following your exposure.”

For COVID testing, unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to get tested five to seven days after a known exposure, or if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. 

Vaccinated individuals are encouraged to get tested three to five days after a known exposure, or if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.  

To find a COVID-19 testing location, visit https://get-tested-covid19.org/. 

Tioga County Public Health continues to encourage everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent serious illness. New York State guidelines allow students and staff who are fully vaccinated to remain in school following an exposure unless they develop symptoms. 

The health department wrote, “Getting your child vaccinated can help keep them healthy and can prevent them from missing school.” 

You can find a COVID-19 vaccination location at www.vaccines.gov/.