2 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Rockland County: Update

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Rockland County, County Executive Ed Day confirmed. Both people who caught the virus worked at a bar mitzvah service and celebration at Young Israel of New Rochelle.

Everyone in the county should take protective measures as a matter of course, said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. "Wash your hands."

The synagogue's rabbi has also tested positive for the virus.

In total, the number of cases in New York has risen to 33. The 11 new cases including the two in Rockland are connected to the 50-year-old New Rochelle man who was the second person in the state to test positive for COVID-19, as the virus is officially known. The new cases also include three members of the congregation and three people connected to the sick man's initial visit at Lawrence Hospital, Cuomo said.

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Day and Dr. Ruppert said the two Rockland residents who were under quarantine, had testing done, and were confirmed with COVID-19 Friday. They are currently under isolation at their homes. The Rockland County Health Department is in the process of conducting contact investigations and will make any additional public health notification as required.

The measles epidemic of 2018-19 actually left the county in good shape to handle the coronavirus, Day said at a Friday afternoon news conference. "We have the strategies, the contacts and the infrastructure in place," he said.

The Rockland residents were exposed in Westchester County. They were in quarantine when they became symptomatic, Dr. Ruppert said.

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.

People who have any symptoms of coronavirus need to call before they go to a doctor's office or the emergency room, she said.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said current symptoms reported for people with COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Definitions:

• Quarantine- to separate and restrict the movement of well persons who may have been exposed to a communicable disease. They are monitored to see IF they become ill. This can help limit the spread of communicable disease.
• Isolation- to separate ill persons who have a communicable disease from those who do not have that disease. This restricts the movement of ill persons to help stop the spread of certain diseases.

It is recommended that Rockland residents take the following precautions to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus:

• 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% 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

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.

Rockland County Department of Health listed these measures it is taking to protect the community from the potential threat of COVID-19:

• Participating in daily State and Federal briefings to maintain situational awareness and follow the latest guidance for monitoring anyone who has potentially been exposed.
• Provided guidance to local providers, healthcare facilities, federally qualified health centers, urgent care centers, school districts and emergency medical services (EMS).
• Created a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) webpage with the latest information for residents, providers and schools

Rockland residents with any concerns about COVID-19 should call the New York State Department of Health’s Novel Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065 to speak with a NYSDOH expert who will answer questions, Monday – Sunday 9 am- 6 pm. After hours, you may leave a voicemail that will be returned.

Rockland County officials have canceled this year’s YouthFest/Rockland County Government Day. The 22nd annual YouthFest was scheduled for Sunday at the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern.

"Our primary concern is the health and safety of our residents, employees and vendors who were scheduled to attend," Day said on Facebook Thursday. "Our gratitude to all who have worked so diligently, particularly those in our Youth Bureau, to put on this highly successful event and we look forward to putting on this fabulous community gathering next year."

County officials also asked anyone who sees coronavirus-connected price-gouging to contact the Rockland County Consumer Protection Office.

This is an unfolding news story; check back with Patch for updates.

SEE ALSO:

• Coronavirus In NY: 33 Cases Now Confirmed, 5 Hospitalized
• Coronavirus Update In United States: Weekend Of March 6
• Coronavirus: Expert Offers Common-Sense Reasons Not To Panic