Rapidly Rising Cases in Madison County

FOR IMMEDIATE Release:
December 10, 2020
Samantha Field, Public Information Officer
Samantha.field@madisoncounty.ny.gov
315-366-2822
Rapidly Rising Cases in Madison County Causes Delay in Contact Tracing

Wampsville, NY – Madison County is experiencing a rapidly increasing number of positive COVID-19 test results. The Madison County Health Department (MCDOH), despite their best efforts, is no longer able to keep up with the large number of new cases each day. They have begun to prioritize case investigations and follow-ups according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.

Over the past few days, we have seen anywhere from 50 to 80 new cases a day. Currently in Madison County there are over 350 active cases, and still climbing. Many of these cases are a result of Thanksgiving; we are seeing COVID-19 spread within the home, at work, and across our community.

“Our public health staff, as well as a number of volunteers, are working tirelessly seven days a week into the evening hours to contact the new cases,” said Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst. “Our staff will no longer be able to contact every positive and all close contacts each day due to the high influx of calls. Please continue to isolate yourself when sick or awaiting test results and quarantine if you are a known contact of a COVID-19 positive case. We are doing everything we can to keep up as the number of positive cases increase, but we ask that you please have patience and do your part to assist by limiting gatherings and by staying home and continuing to isolate yourself when sick or awaiting test results.”

Please know that the MCDOH will reach out to new positive cases as quickly as they can, it may take up to 48 hours for them to contact you after you receive your positive result. The New York State Contact Tracers are assisting the MCDOH with contacting close contacts, but they are delayed as well. If ??? ?? ???? ???????? ??? ?????-??, we ask that you please self-isolate and contact those who you were in contact with at least 48 hours prior to your test date, or when you began having symptoms, and notify them that they should quarantine. Also, notify your employer that you tested positive for COVID-19 and that you need to isolate.

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“Our public health staff is stretched to their limit, we now need everyone to do their part,” said Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman John M. Becker. “We can not let our guard down. If you are sick, stay home. Please limit the number of people you come in contact with and if you are out in public wear a face covering, watch your social distancing, and wash your hands. We have a long road ahead of us.”

If you are sick, stay home. The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and/or
difficulty breathing. If symptoms develop, please stay home and contact your doctor for guidance on testing. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

Madison County partners with SUNY Upstate to hold COVID-19 diagnostic mobile testing clinics. Testing is available to anyone interested at no cost to the patient, however they are by appointment only. Anyone who would like to be tested should call 315-464-2582 select option 2 to set up an appointment. They are experiencing longer than usual wait times, so please be patient and remain on hold to book an appointment.

For more information or questions you can contact the Madison County COVID-19 Hotline at 315-366-2770 or go to https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/2479/Coronavirus-COVID-19.