Several Quarantined In Cattaraugus County, Officials Await Test Results

App users, tap here to watch video. 

LITTLE VALLEY – Around a dozen residents in Cattaraugus County are under some type of quarantine as officials await novel Coronavirus test results.

Cattaraugus County’s Administrator Jack Searles says currently there are eight or nine people under a mandatory quarantine in the county and four residents in a precautionary quarantine.

“If you are in mandatory quarantine you are by definition you are given a test and we are awaiting the test results,” said Searles. “Again, we have nobody that has tested positive in Cattaraugus County.”

The county’s legislature met Monday night to discuss its response to the outbreak. Lawmakers worked for two hours under executive session to determine the best approach.

County Attorney Ashley Milliman says the lawmakers are discussing limiting on site staff to appropriately combat the virus outbreak.

“There was a resolution that was passed which directed our county administrator to request information from each department heads which would include a list of essential employees, non- essential employees,  employees that are willing to work from home and how many employees that can work from home.”

Milliman says lawmakers will likely make a final decision in regards to downsizing staff during a meeting Wednesday.

On Sunday, the Cattaraugus County Office of Emergency Services declared a state of emergency.

Legislature Chairman Howard VanRensselaer said the declaration gives officials the authority to procure proper goods and services. Travel within the county is not impacted.

Heath officials say the best ways to help prevent the spread of the virus are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cough/sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and throw it away
• Practice social distancing – try to keep at least 6 feet between you and another person
• Stay home and avoid others if you are ill

If residents have symptoms including fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, they are asked to call their healthcare provider, and they will give appropriate guidance.