Time To Mask Up: Rockland Health Commissioner

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The surge in coronavirus cases prompted Rockland County health officials to issue a news release Tuesday on the subject of masks, vaccines, testing and other steps residents should take during the pandemic to protect themselves.

"It is time for all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to put on a mask that fully covers their nose and mouth and secure it under their chin in all indoor public spaces and when gathering with people who do not live in your household," they said in the release. "For additional COVID-19 protection, get your booster shot as soon as you are eligible. For individuals aged 5 and older who are still unvaccinated, now is the time to get fully vaccinated."

There are currently 18,673 active cases in Rockland, which like the rest of the USA is affected by the highly contagious omicron variant. In the week that ended Jan. 9, there were 10,507 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county.

Due to the high volume of cases, the county Department of Health has suspended contact tracing. There are too many to routinely contact all positive COVID-19 cases and contacts reported through lab-confirmed testing.

Do not report a positive home test to the health department since it cannot be verified.

Be prepared now for any COVID-19 positive cases or quarantine that may occur in your home, county officials said. You should stock an emergency supply of food and water for your family and pets, as well as any essential medications. Preparing ahead can make things less stressful and help you get through the required COVID-19 quarantine and isolation protocols. Go here for the latest guidance on isolation (when infected) and quarantine (when exposed).

Those who require isolation orders or release notices should use the self-service options on the county's COVID-19 webpage. SEE ALSO: Positive COVID Test? Get Back To Work, School With Rockland Form

"It is even more important for everyone who did not yet get their initial vaccine series to get it right away. Ensuring as many people as possible, age five and older, are fully vaccinated remains the most effective action to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. "With this new variant circulating, I encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible and to get a booster dose, if eligible, for maximum protection. Anyone with questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines should talk to their doctor."

The COVID‐19 vaccine can reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. With highly contagious variants such as omicron, breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people will occur. However, COVID-19 vaccines, especially with boosters, are effective at preventing severe or fatal COVID-19 infections.

As of Monday there were 170 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Rockland, up from 124 last Wednesday.

Another 15 people died of COVID-19 in the country between Wednesday and Monday, taking Rockland's death toll, which stood at 1,002 on Dec. 1, up to 1,039.

In her briefing Tuesday on the pandemic, Gov. Kathy Hochul said early signs suggest this current wave may have crested and showed this graphic.

Hospitalizations, however, continue to rise, particularly in regions of the state where vaccination rates are lower, Hochul said. Also, 91 percent of 5 to 11-year-olds newly admitted to hospitals with COVID-19 are unvaccinated, she said.

Nyack Montefiore Hospital set a no-visitors policy at the end of December. SEE: Nyack Hospital Sets No Visitor Policy Due To COVID-19 Surge

COVID-19 vaccines remain safe, effective, and free.

To get a vaccine, visit the RCDOH COVID-19 webpage for more information. 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).

The surge in COVID-19 cases makes it clear how important it is to use all the prevention tools available, county health officials said:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccination and booster.
• Use properly fitted face masks; required in indoor public spaces.
• When gathering with people not living in your household, wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. If it is not too cold outside, open the windows and/or a door to circulate fresh air in the room.
• 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.
• Test yourself for COVID-19 before visiting vulnerable people.

Get tested if you have been exposed, are feeling unwell, plan to be with others outside your household, or will be visiting vulnerable loved ones. For information on test sites near you, click here.

For the latest COVID-19 data, visit the Rockland County Coronavirus Dashboard Hub page.