CHENANGO COUNTY — The Chenango County Weekly Wastewater Surveillance Data Report showed a slight increase in SARS-CoV-2 levels over the past two weeks. Although CDC risk level for Chenango County remains low, it is important for residents to be aware that the virus is still circulating.

There are many counties downstate that are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases. Some are recommending more personal protective measures and prevention strategies. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 trend carefully.

There is a misconception that you cannot get COVID-19 if you have been fully vaccinated and/or boosted. While individuals that are vaccinated or boosted tend to have mild or less severe symptoms, there are still some people who can become very sick from COVID-19. There is still the risk of experiencing long COVID or the inconvenience of getting ill for several days. Vaccination can help protect you and decrease your risk of experiencing serious illness and hospitalization.

To decrease your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, it is still very important to continue following public health advice.

Stay home if you are sick. If you are sick, do not go to work or school. Get tested and isolate until you know your results. If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, stay home and away from others. We also still have at-home tests available to anyone who needs them.

Take caution with people at risk. Avoid exposing the elderly and people with underlying health conditions to the virus.

Get vaccinated and get a booster. We continue to plan and host vaccine clinics for those that would like one.

The Chenango County Health Department will be hosting clinics on Monday, August 1 for a first Moderna booster dose for individuals 18 years and older; first Pfizer booster doses for individuals five years and older; and second Moderna and Pfizer booster doses for individuals aged 50 years and older.

On Thursday, August 11, the Chenango County Health Department will host a clinic for a first dose of Moderna vaccine for children aged two to 11 years old.

For Children under 2 years of age, please call Public Health at 607-337-1600 to schedule an appointment.

We appreciate the efforts of our local community members.

The New York State Wastewater Surveillance Network is a collaboration between the New York Department of Health (NYS DOH), the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NY DEC), Syracuse University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Upstate Medical University, and participating counties.

For additional local data and details on the network and its monitoring methods, visit arcg.is/1PG0GP0.

Links to register for COVID-19 vaccine appointments are on our website each week at www.co.chenango.ny.us/public-health/nursing/covid19.php#tab-3.

The vaccine is free, we do not bill insurance, and anyone who meets the eligibility requirements in New York State are welcome to register.

If you have questions about a clinic or need more information you may email us at

COVID19@co.chenango.ny.us or send us a message and visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/ChenangoLHD

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at 607-337-1660.

-Information provided by the Chenango County Health Department