As of March 14, there are presently no positive cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Madison County at this time. Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most people experience mild illness and recover from COVID-19 without needing medical treatment. People who have conditions that may result in more severe illness from COVID-19 include women who are pregnant, older adults, and persons of any age who have a preexisting medical condition.
The Madison County Department of Health stresses that if you become sick, please stay at home and hold off on trips to public places and events until you are well. Public Health urges those who are not seriously ill to avoid hospital emergency departments, but instead call their primary healthcare provider or the newly opened regional COVID-19 triage line if they think they have symptoms.
Upstate University Hospital has opened a triage line for the sole purpose of answering Central New Yorker’s questions about COVID-19. The phone line will take calls daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 315-464-3979. As of March 16, 2020, the line will be open 24 hours a day. The line is meant for area residents who have coronavirus-related questions, those showing possible symptoms, or someone who may have had an exposure to someone diagnosed with a positive case of COVID-19.
It is important to know that New York State Department of Health has specific criteria by which a person should be tested for COVID-19 by a healthcare provider:
• the person has come within close contact (same classroom, office, or gatherings) of another person known to be positive for COVID-19
• the person has traveled to a country that the CDC has issued a Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice
• the person is quarantined (mandatory or precautionary) and has shown symptoms of COVID-19 illness
• other cases where the facts and circumstances warrant as determined by the treating healthcare provider after consulting with state and local department of health officials.
Only residents who meet one of the above testing criteria should get tested. This will allow healthcare providers and Madison County to focus on the residents with the most need while continuing to work with healthcare providers and other community partners on response efforts. It is important to note that while awaiting test results, the patient will need to be placed on a mandatory quarantine to protect the health of others. If you are wondering if you should get tested, call your doctor or the Upstate University Hospital COVID-19 triage line at 315-464-3979.
For the most accurate information about the virus please go to healthymadisoncounty.org, or the websites of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) and the New York State Department of Public Health.