CHENANGO – The New York State Department of Health confirmed the second case of Covid-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) in Chenango County Thursday.

Chenango officials declined to release any further information on Friday, citing privacy concerns.

Some members of the public have asked the Chenango County Department of Health to release more information about the cases, such as what township or school district might be most effected by the confirmed cases, so local citizens there could heighten their precautions. Government agencies in other New York counties have been inconsistent with the information being release but many do notify the public about the local town and the age and gender of those being diagnosed. A number of other agencies, such as Albany County, have even named the specific school and employers of those effected.

Earlier this week Flindt defended the department’s decision to release limited information about the confirmed case and asked the public to be more understanding.

“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.

On Wednesday the department’s health educator, Christina Arnold, issued a public statement that said more testing was being conducted and urged calm.

She also wrote, “We at the Health Department want to identify the positive cases so we can quickly work to monitor them and their contacts to slow the spread of the disease. We will not be revealing names and locations of individuals that test positive in order to protect their medical confidentiality. Please treat everyone you come across with respect and patience.”

However a number of area residents took to social media arguing more information would help protect the community.

“I think a town would be nice so the residents can take precautions, which everyone should be anyways,” said Nevada Harrison Zimmer, of Greene.

“It would be nice to know what town so it can be avoided,” said Shannon Stark, Norwich.

“Would be nice to know what general area so people know if they were exposed,” added Phillamena Bates.

These are just a few comments made from area residents or posted on social media in recent days.

The health director said a spike in new cases was expected as testing improved.

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.