Officials Confirm Two Cases Of Novel Coronavirus In Chautauqua County

MAYVILLE – Officials during a press conference Monday afternoon have confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 in northern Chautauqua County.

One 30-year-old female from the City of Dunkirk and a 30-year-old male from Silver Creek have both tested positive for the virus with both having recent history of travel to Buffalo and are under mandatory quarantine at home.

Based on an initial review of each case by epidemiology staff, these individuals appear to have had separate exposures to the virus.

Staff from Chautauqua County Public Health have begun an investigation to identify close contacts of the individuals and alert them to their potential exposure to COVID-19 and they will be placed under mandatory quarantine to monitor for symptoms.

Officials said they just learned about the positive cases Monday afternoon with several other test results still pending at commercial labs.

“We knew that it was inevitable that the virus would be confirmed in Chautauqua County” said County Executive PJ Wendel.

“Everyone must be vigilant in supporting social distancing and respiratory hygiene measures, which are urgent and necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Commissioner of Department of Health and Human Services said the positive cases were not a surprise. She expects to see more positive cases as more potential individuals become tested.

Schuyler went on to say test results take about three to five days to come in from the time a person is tested.

Official said there is a national shortage of medical supplies such as swabs, masks and transport supplies.

Wendel said essential businesses still operating have started to implement employee screenings in an attempt to keep everyone safe from the virus.

Residents are reminded to stay home during the pandemic and to continue practicing social distancing guidelines. Officials said while the spread of the virus has been slow here, potential exists for the region to be “slammed” by positive cases.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Stay home when you are sick.

· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash can. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

· Put distance between yourself and others: abide by social distancing measures and maintain 6 feet of separation from those you must be in close contact with.

· Get a flu shot for yourself and your family members at a local pharmacy. This will not prevent COVID-19 but it will prevent you from getting flu, keeping you healthy and out of the hospital.

Individuals with questions or concerns regarding Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) or travel related questions are encouraged to call the New York State Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline 24/7 at 1-888-364-3065.

For locally-specific information, County residents may also contact the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services at 1-866-604-6789 during normal business hours.