Positive COVID Test? Get Back To Work, School With Rockland Form

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — With so many people isolating or quarantining because of positive results from coronavirus tests, Rockland County officials have created an easier way for residents to get the forms they need to go back to school or work.

"Due to the recent surge, the Health Department will not be able to reach every COVID-19 positive resident through contact tracing," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

There were 14,171 active coronavirus cases in the county as of Wednesday, according to the county dashboard.

"As a result, we have created several self-serve forms for residents to attest that they are following COVID-19 protocols," she said. "We encourage residents who require documentation for work or school and Federal or State leave benefits to complete the online attestation(s) if needed. If you are experiencing symptoms and need medical assistance, contact your doctor."

Residents who have a positive test result and require email documentation of a positive test result may request a personalized Isolation Order by completing the "Self-Attestation of Positive COVID-19 Test Results" found here.

Upon completion of quarantine or isolation, residents may request a personalized "Release Letter" that can be provided to a school or employer to show eligibility to return to school or work. Find it here.

"This update makes it more convenient for residents who test positive at home or via a lab test to get the paperwork they need to document these COVID-19 related absences. It will also make things easier on our Health Department staff who have been inundated with calls from those who need the Isolation Order," said County Executive Ed Day.

Currently there are 124 people hospitalized in the county with the disease caused by the virus; 70 are unvaccinated, 39 vaccinated, 2 partially vaccinated and 13 whose status is unknown, according to the county's data.

The post-Thanksgiving surge in Rockland has taken 22 lives since Dec. 1, when the death toll stood at 1,002.

Residents are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 if you have been exposed, are feeling unwell, plan to be in a group setting, or want to visit with vulnerable loved ones. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it's important to get tested and isolate until you know your results.

For residents who have taken a home test, there is no need to report the results of that test to the Health Department.

Due to the fast-spreading omicron variant and the holiday season, the number of people wanting test has also quickly increased. Residents looking for a test can now make an appointment for a rapid (antigen) test at the New York State run site located at the Patriot Hills Golf Club in Stony Point. This site is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM – 6 PM, appointments are strongly recommended. Testing is FREE at any New York State-run test site; appointments can be made here.

For information on additional test sites near you visit this webpage. If you go to a test site operated by local governments, private companies including pharmacies and medical practices or not-for-profit organizations, check with the testing site and your insurer to make sure there isn't a fee for the test. If you are uninsured, you are advised to ask the testing site if you will be responsible for any fees associated with your test.

Day and Ruppert asked residents to continue to follow other COVID-19 prevention measures:

• Get vaccinated - it's free, safe, and effective at preventing severe disease and death. Anyone age 5 and above is eligible regardless of immigration status.
• Get boosted if eligible.
• Wear a face mask that securely covers your mouth and nose when in all indoor public places and when gathering with people who do not live in your household.
• Stay 6 feet away from others not within your household.
• Limit your gatherings to only vaccinated family and loved ones.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. If the weather permits and it's not too cold, open the windows and door for more ventilation.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using your elbow or a tissue.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay home if you are sick.

To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, visit the RCDOH COVID-19 webpage for more information at http://rcklnd.us/covid19. To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov, and the New York State (NYS) Am I Eligible webpage.

If you need assistance, call the Rockland County COVID Call Center at 845-238-1956 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday (except holidays).

For COVID-19 vaccine information, visit this webpage.