CHENANGO COUNTY - The Chenango County Weekly Wastewater Surveillance Data Report shows an increase in COVID levels over the past three weeks. Compared to levels found across New York State’s average, levels of COVID are elevated and described as higher than average in Chenango County.

It is important for residents to be aware that the virus is circulating. We will continue to watch this trend carefully.

To decrease your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, it is important to ontinue to follow precautions such as:

Stay Home if You Are Sick – Do not got to work or school if you are sick. Get tested and isolate until you begin to feel better and have been fever-free for 24 hours.

Take Caution with People At-Risk - Avoid exposing the older adults and people with underlying health conditions to the virus.

Get vaccinated and get a booster if you are eligible.

Practice good hand hygiene and wash your hands often.

The federal government will be providing free COVID test kits this fall. 

Here is the link for more information and the site to order the free kits starting at the end of September; https://aspr.hhs.gov/covid-19/test/Pages/default.aspx

COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.

For more information about The New York State Wastewater Surveillance System and for additional local data and details on the network and its monitoring methods, visit https://nywastewatcher.io/

If you have questions or need more information, you may email us at COVID19@chenangocountyny.gov or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ChenangoLHD.

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

- Information from the Chenango County Dept. of Health