Coronavirus In Westchester: Help First Responders Help You

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Helping emergency responders keep the local healthcare system from being overwhelmed by the new coronavirus outbreak is one of the ways Westchester residents can help their communities, County Executive George Latimer said Tuesday.

Latimer sat down at noon for a Facebook Live interview with Sean Denigris of the New York State Professional Firefighters Association. Denigris is the vice-president for District 5, which includes Nassau, Putnam, Suffolk and Westchester counties.

Along with needing enough hospital beds for the roughly 15 percent of virus victims who become seriously ill, the community needs its firefighters, police officers, EMTs, nurses and doctors to stay healthy.

"There are still going to be accidents, there are still going to be heart attacks," Denigris said.

One step is letting local fire, police and ambulance agencies know who is quarantined and who is isolated. The county's health department is trying to keep an updated list for local agencies, Latimer said.

Whenever you call for help, dispatchers are now instructed to ask not just about whether you or anyone the household is quarantined, but about your overall health including coronavirus symptoms such as cough, fever and sneezing, Denegris said. You should also expect to have the first responders ask the same questions as soon as they arrive.

It may seem a little repetitive, but they have to make sure; though for an emergency such as a heart attack, the questions would happen much faster, Denegris said.

Latimer called on anyone calling 911 to volunteer information about quarantines. "As citizens we know what our health status is," he said.

The two also recommended people use the 911 system sparingly.

"It used to be 911 was the only option, somebody would call and say 'I didn't know where else to call' but the county and state have put together so many resources — 2-1-1 and the state hotline, if you're feeling sick" Denegris said. "Leave those lines open and those resources open for those who have a true emergency."

What can residents do to make things easier for first responders? Follow the guidelines:

• Practice social distancing
• Wash your hands
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Take caution with New Yorkers at risk

COVID-19 Hotline numbers for the public:

• People under self-quarantine and medical providers seeking information: (866) 588-0195
• People inquiring about testing: (888) 364-3065

Coronavirus in New York and beyond

• Coronavirus: Cuomo Outlines 'Stay At Home' Rules
• Westchester Puts Out Call For Nurses During Coronavirus Outbreak
• Westchester County Center Named Coronavirus Field Hospital: Cuomo
• CBP Shuts Down Trusted Traveler Enrollment Centers: Coronavirus

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