TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY – The Tompkins County Department of Health has issued another warning about the local increase in COVID-19 cases, as the number of active cases in Tompkins County has nearly doubled in the past three weeks. The Department of Health also informs the public about the discovery of three variants of COVID-19 in local positive cases, including two that have not been seen locally before.
Once again, travel and social gatherings are blamed for the increasing number of cases, which has grown to 150 active cases from a minimum of 76 active cases on 2 March. The Department of Health has also stated that the British variant, previously seen, as well as the New York City variant and the Southern California variant are all present in the active cases. They did not specify how many cases of each variant were detected.
“We are concerned about the recent increase in cases,” said Frank Kruppa, director of public health. “While we have vaccinated almost one third of our population, the disease is still present. We need to do what we know to stop the spread. WWhile more people may gather under new leadership, that does not mean you can stop wearing masks and keep your distance. We see how COVID-19 is distributed during private events. ”
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Apart from the vaccine, Kruppa continued to warn that the presence of the variant locally could lead to more outbreaks and faster spread.
“These varieties are of concern because they can spread faster or cause serious diseases,” Kruppa said. ‘At the moment we are not asking the community to do anything outside the current guidelines to respond to the presence of these variants. Vaccination, mask wearing, hand washing and removal are still our most important tool to prevent and spread fewer variants and mutations. ”
TCHD reminds Tompkins County residents that COVID-19 testing is still a critical component in stopping the spread of the disease. People who are symptomatic or worried about a possible exposure should go for a test. Tests are free for Tompkins County residents. Visit the TCHD for more information on COVID-19 testing website.
TCHD continues to appeal to anyone eligible for a vaccination to enroll for the Taccins County COVID-19 Vaccine Registry. As of tomorrow, all New York residents over the age of 50 are eligible to receive the vaccine, although it is unclear whether the Department of Health has the vaccine to administer shots at the local mass vaccination center at the stores in Ithaca Mall. Those interested in receiving a vaccination should also visit the state website scheduling website.