The Health Department is actively monitoring and prepared to respond if necessary to ensure the safety and health of residents. Currently at this time, there are no cases in Madison County.
“There has been a lot of misinformation going around about COVID-19 and how it is spread, we here at the Health Department want to make sure that the residents of Madison County have the right information,” said Director of Public Health Eric Faisst. “The most accurate information about the virus can be found on our website at healthymadison.org, or by going to the websites of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Public Health.”
Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads mainly from person to person. The virus passes between people who are close in contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Also, it may possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface of an object that has the virus on it and then that person touches their mouth, nose or eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus is spread.
People who are most contagious when they are the most symptomatic (or the sickest). However, some spread might be possible before people show symptoms. There have been reports of this occurring, but it is not the main way the virus spreads.
It is important to note that we are still learning a great deal about COVID-19. And that people should be diligent.
Residents should follow good health practices daily to help reduce the spread of illness.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you feel sick, stay home.
- Should you become ill, contact your doctor first before visiting their office to make arrangements for care.
- If you are well you do NOT need to wear a face mask. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms to prevent the spread of the disease or by health care providers.
- Avoid public places and events with large crowds to lower the chances of coming into contact with germs that could make you sick.
To get the most accurate information on COVID-19, visit the CDC webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. For questions, please contact Madison County Health Department at 315-366-2361.