OLEAN – Over one hundred people in Cattaraugus County have been tested for COVID-19, the novel Coronavirus, but as of Thursday afternoon there are still no confirmed cases.
The Cattaraugus County Public Health Director Dr. Kevin Watkins told WNYNewsNow a total of 121 tests for the virus have been issued since the outbreak first began.
Watkins says 96 of those tested have come back negative for COVID-19. Twenty-five tests are still pending at the state’s Albany medical lab.
The health director explained that there are 79 residents under some type of quarantine. He says among those quarantined are family members of the 25 people awaiting test results.
A member of the county’s COVID-19 response team visits those quarantined each day for a “face-to-face” check-in. Watkins says the public health nurse will not only check in on those sickened, but also other family members to make sure they do not show signs of infection.
Watkins expects the test results to return within 48 hours of being sent to the laboratory.
Even though there are no confirmed cases of the virus, the heath director wants residents to assume the virus is present locally. Watkins encourages all to practice safe social distancing and stay home if they are sick. Those with questions should contact to their doctor.
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