Remote testing facilities are being constructed outside the emergency room at Chenango Memorial Hospital as medical officials prepeare for a rise in cronovirus cases. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

CHENANGO –Tuesday, the Chenango County Department of Health confirmed the first case of the coronavirus in the area.

Public Health Director Marcas W. Flindt said the department had alerted area officials Tuesday morning that a Chenango County resident had been diagnosed with the COVID-19, (Coronavirus Disease 2019).

Flindt said the patient began feeling ill about three days ago and sought out a doctor. He said the delay in testing was due to the person being initially tested for another suspected illness before being tested for the coronavirus. Flindt said currently labs in New York were working to return a result for coronavirus test with 24 hours.

However a number of medical providers contacted Wednesday said this was still not the case.

Last week the health department told the public to prepare for an eventual case of the virus in Chenango. Flindt said more cases were expected in the coming weeks.

“We are going to have a lot more confirmed positive cases,” he said Wednesday. “Providers are ramping up and testing is now coming through. People should know we will see a rise, so don't be alarmed. We want to know who they are.”

So far about a dozen individuals have been quarantined by the department as suspected cases but only one has tested positive for the virus, the rest were not, said Flindt.

He said he soon expected a spike in new cases. He said this meant officials were in the process of responding to concerns and increasing screening.

Flindt defended the department's decision to release limited information about the confirmed case and asked the public to work with officials. He declined to name any township or school district related to the case. The department also declined requested information about gender or age.

“I understand the public's concerns but any medical information or location information about this person, I as public health director consider private information,” he said.

He encouraged more local testing and said county and medical organizations were working to implement that.

There is no public location for free public testing for the virus in Chenango County.

However some providers in the area might be offering free testing by appointment if you qualify.

Bassett Healthcare Network patients who are concerned they may have symptoms of upper respiratory illness or think they may need coronavirus testing should call 607-547-5555.

Representatives at Basset Healthcare in Norwich said a representative would evaluate a requested free test on a case-to-case basis. Patients calling a hotline are screened and those considered most at risk due to travel or severe illness are prioritized. Those with limited means may be given a reduced cost consideration depending on the situation.

The service is also working on expanding capacity to do video and phone visits for those who meet the criteria for further evaluation and possible testing.

Bassett Public and Media Relations Director Karen Huxtable Hooker said the hotline was receiving hundreds of calls a day. Some people had general question, some were sick, others were possibly exposed to illness but aren't sick. She said calls can take a lot of time to process and asked people to be understanding with them.

Huxtable said testing kits were still in short supply and the screening procedures were meant to make sure those needing a test most, received one. She said it still takes about two or three days to get a test.

Officials from UHS also complained of the shortage of tests this week, especially in the Broome County area, saying more were needed.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is encouraging people to visit www.nyuhs.org to fill out a screening form for testing. Those considered at the greatest risk will speak with a medical professional and may be directed to screening.

Representatives at the hospital said the test would require no out of pocket cash from patients and that it was likely all insurance providers would cover the costs, since it was a national emergency. They said the cost should not deter people from testing. The hospital is setting up several remote screening facilities in Norwich in preparation for more testing.

As of Wednesday New York State had confirmed 1,374 cases of the virus.

Health officials urge the public to take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus:

– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

– Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

– It is best to cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper arm; avoid using your hands. If you do cough or sneeze into your hand, wash your hands immediately.

– Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.