CHENANGO COUNTY – “Again [we] find ourselves in a surge of COVID-19 cases,” reported Chenango County Health Department spokesperson Isaiah Sutton.

“The latest active case report is equal to the highest number of cases we have reported, equaling our active cases from January of this year.

“The current surge can be attributed to several factors from vaccination rates to reduced safeguards. As we approach the holiday season, we implore everyone in our community to be safe and be smart.

“Individuals and families must understand their own risk factors and strive to keep each other safe. Please follow good hygiene practices, limit large gatherings, and get vaccinated/boostered. Perhaps most important of all, if you don’t feel well stay home and get tested.

“So many of the exposures we continue to see are associated with individuals who continued their regular routine while symptomatic.”

Reminder from health department's nursing division:

We are still working hard on case investigations and contact tracing every day. Please keep in mind that honesty during the interview process is very important to ending this pandemic. Including household members is a vital part of the process. The information is only as good as what we are given during the patient interview. Thank you.

Friday's COVID Update

As of Friday there are 239 active cases of COVID-19 in Chenango County, 63 of which are vaccinated, and four individuals are currently hospitalized, none of which are vaccinated.

The Chenango County Department of Health confirmed there have been 5,226 total cases of COVID-19 in Chenango.

There have been 87 confirmed deaths.

The health department also confirmed there are 593 residents under quarantine, and 4,963 total recoveries.

So far approximately 160,798 tests for the virus have been administered in the county.

The Chenango County Health Department will be hosting a Pfizer vaccine clinic at the Afton Central School old gym, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1. Vaccines are available for community members five years and older.

The vaccines are free, and part of a two-dose series. The second dose will be available at another clinic to be held on Wednesday, December 22, at the same location.

For more information, contact the Chenango County Health Department at 607-337-1660, or email covid19@co.chenango.ny.us.