The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that has been identified in countries all over the world.  Persons who have contracted the disease may show mild to severe symptoms, or be completely asymptomatic. The Allegany County Department of Health continues to work with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), CDC, county & regional staff, and local community partners to keep our community members safe.

NYS DOH Update on COVID Call Center Hotlines – Hours of Operation Changes

As part of ‘endemic COVID-19’ planning, three COVID call center hotlines will be transitioning to other state agency call center centers for continued operation. The hotlines are:  

• COVID
• Vaccine
• Excelsior Pass Plus

Excelsior Pass Plus Hotline

The Excelsior Pass Plus (EPP) hotline is being transferred to the Department of Labor (DOL) call center, effective next Monday, 3/27/23 at the beginning of business.

• Current EPP hotline hours of operation are 9 am – 6 pm and this will be changing to on 3/27/23 to the NEW DOL call center hours of operation which are 8 am – 4 pm.

COVID and Vaccine Hotlines

The COVID and Vaccine Hotlines are being transferred to the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) call center, effective, Monday 04/03/23 at the beginning of business.

• Current COVID and Vaccine hotline hours of operation are 9 am – 6 pm and this will be changing on 04/03/23 to the NEW OCFS call center hours of operation which are 8 am – 5 pm.

NOTE: The COVID and Vaccine hotline phone numbers are not expected to change.

Please direct all questions related to COVID-19 concerns to (585) 268-9250 or email healthinfo@alleganyco.gov. You can also call the NYSDOH Coronavirus hotline by dialing 1-888-364-3065.

What are the Symptoms?

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions may be at a higher risk for developing more serious complications. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus: Fever, with a cough or shortness of breath. Other symptoms that may appear include chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.

If you think you may have been infected, call your health provider immediately. It is important that you do NOT show up at a health care provider’s office, an Urgent Care, or Emergency Room before calling – you may be putting others at risk. If symptoms are severe and you require an ambulance for transport, call 911 and notify the operator that you are experiencing symptoms relative to COVID-19.

How Can I Prevent an Infection?

Remember, older adults and people who have underlying health conditions are at higher risk for developing serious complications from the COVID-19 illness. The CDC has provided additional information for those that may be at increased risk here.

There is currently not a vaccine or any proven antiviral treatment yet; however individuals can take these preventive actions to help lessen the spread of respiratory disease:

• Wash your hands often. If water is not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact. Maintain social distancing of at least six feet.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others. Children under the age of 2 should not wear face coverings.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is not available use the inside of your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily to prevent the spread of germs.
• Monitor your health daily and be alert for symptoms.

Looking for Emotional Support

There are several resources to use during a stressful time like this.

• COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline: 844-863-9314
• Allegany County Crisis Hotline:  888-448-3367
• Allegany County Community Services:  585-593-1991 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  800-273-TALK (8255)
• NYS Text Line:  Text “GOT5” to 741741
• Veterans’ Crisis Lifeline:  822-273-8255 (Press 1)

Find General Information

For the most up to date information related to guidance on quarantine and isolation, please visit the NYSDOH COVID-19 Guidance Repository

Business Owners

For information related to business resources and requirements during COVID-19, there are several areas to look:

• COVID-19 Resources for Businesses and Individuals
• Doing Business in NY
• Forward NY

For posters and other general guidance to put up at your facility, please scroll down to “Posters and Other Communications”.

State Trackers

The NYSDOH has developed a COVID-19 tracker that shows daily stats Statewide and by County.

Johns Hopkins University has also developed a COVID-19 tracker that shows daily stats for Allegany County, providing different data based on five-year estimates from the American Community Survey.

Travel

Travel restrictions are no longer in place; however, guidance remains for certain aspects of travel related to testing requirements and/or vaccination status. Please visit the following CDC pages for domestic and international travel regulations.

For general updates on the outbreak in New York State and information from the CDC, please visit the following pages:

• NYSDOH Novel Coronavirus Updates
• CDC Coronavirus Information

Schools

Schools are responsible for tracking cases and reporting them to New York State. For specific information on schools, please click here. New Guidance for social distancing and masking at school was released in March of 2022.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html#surfaces