CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Department of Public Health released advice on using home Covid test kits on Friday.

In the past few weeks, the department of heath has seen an increase in the number of positive cases identified by at-home test kits.

These kits are a good over the counter diagnostic tool however there are a couple of important steps we would like anyone using these tests to remember.

Follow the instructions carefully. As a diagnostic test these kits can be sensitive to environmental conditions including the timing of food and drink or being stored in a hot area prior to use.

Tests differ slightly so again follow the printed instructions.

A positive is a positive. If you test positive via an at home test the result is considered a valid result. Individuals should immediately begin self-isolation which includes not going into public or returning to work.

Positive tests must be reported to the local health department promptly.

Those testing positive are asked to email COVID19@co.chenango.ny.us or call 607-316-0604 to report the result.

At-home tests can be a useful tool but only if executed correctly.

Friday COVID Update

As of Friday there are 106 active cases of COVID-19 in Chenango County, of which 41 were vaccinated, and four individuals are currently hospitalized, one of which was vaccinated.

The Chenango County Department of Health confirmed there have been 4,098 total cases of COVID-19 in Chenango.

There have been 82 confirmed deaths.

The health department also confirmed there are 212 residents under quarantine, and 3,852 total recoveries.

So far approximately 137,952 tests for the virus have been administered in the county.

– From the Chenango County Department of Health