New COVID-19 Cases Reported Today

JAMESTOWN – Two new positive cases of COVID-19, the novel Coronavirus, were reported in Chautauqua County on Wednesday.

Health officials say the two new cases involves a man in his 70s and a woman in her 50s.

There are now a total 26 cases with four active. So far, 19 people have recovered and three have died.

“Recent studies have shown that about 25% of individuals infected with the virus are asymptomatic,” said health officials. “Asymptomatic individuals, even if they eventually develop symptoms, can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people in close proximity (6 feet) — for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing — even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms at the time.”

Health officials say they support community members wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, like grocery stores and pharmacies, where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

“Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low-cost, can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure, beyond the recommended social distancing,” furthered officials. “Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.”

When wearing cloth face coverings:

• Make sure that they fit snugly and cover your nose and mouth;
• Be changed frequently and laundered when they are soiled or wet;
• Do not become complacent with other protective measures;
• Do not touch the cloth covering or face;
• Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing;
• Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer of 60%+ alcohol;
• Practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes;
• Practice social distancing – even when wearing masks;
• Stay home and help flatten the curve.

The Cattaraugus County Health Department reported its 27th confirmed case of the virus Wednesday as well.

Officials say the case involves a male healthcare worker who lives in the northeastern part of the county. The man, officials say, developed fatigue, body aches and occasional cough and was tested on Monday.

“The patient is resting at home, and now under quarantine with his family,” said officials. “He and his family will be assessed for any medical support that we can provide and we will monitor their symptoms closely.”