ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADVISORIES

Avoid Accidental Poisonings: Five COVID-19 Safety and Cleaning Tips

North Country To Begin Phase 1 Of NYS Reopening Plan - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that as of today, the North Country has met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the state's regional phased reopening plan when NYS on PAUSE orders expire on May 15th, joining the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley Regions. If the trend continues, these four regions can begin opening businesses for phase one, which includes construction; manufacturing and wholesale supply chain; retail for curbside pickup and drop-off or in-store pickup; and agriculture, forestry and fishing. The Central New York region has met six of the seven metrics and could potentially be ready at the end of the week. A guide to the state's "NY Forward Reopening" Plan is available here. The state's regional monitoring dashboard is available here.

FAQs

What is COVID-19?

SARS-CoV-2, is a novel coronavirus.  A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus was... MORE

How can I protect myself and prevent spreading the virus?

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, follow these steps to protect yourself ...MORE

Should I wear a mask?

Effective at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020 any individual who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance. For guidance on how to wear and/or make a mask CLICK HERE.

What is "social distancing"?

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing....MORE

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Is our local hospital, Adirondack Health, testing for COVID-19?

Adirondack Health expands regional COVID-19 testing, implements standing orders at all test sites  – Following the receipt of 2,000 additional COVID-19 test kits from Trudeau Institute, Adirondack Health has devised a plan to significantly expand testing throughout the region. ...MORE

What if I came into contact with a COVID-19 positive person or someone under investigation?

If you were in close contact with someone with COVID-19 while they were ill but you are not sick:

1. Report it to your physician (Call. Do not go to the office, Urgent Care or Emergency Department).
2. You should monitor your health for fever, cough, and shortness of breath during the 14 days after the last day you were.....MORE

What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Someone in self-quarantine stays...MORE

More FAQs from NYS Department of Health HERE

The Latest COVID-19 Symptoms, Questions and Answers From Infectious Disease Expert Tim Lahey, MD  HERE

LOCAL BUSINESSES

What are local essential businesses doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

To help prevent spread of COVID-19, procedures and supplies should be in place to encourage proper hand and respiratory hygiene...MORE

Moving toward re-opening:

New York Forward - Governor Cuomo outlined a plan to re-open New York State, stating: "Our plan focuses on getting people back to work and easing social isolation without triggering renewed spread of the virus or overwhelming the hospital system."

New York will re-open on a regional basis as each region meets the criteria necessary to protect public health as businesses re-open. New York State remains on PAUSE through May 15.

The plan can be reviewed HERE

COVID Site Training Guide for Construction Companies

A guide for employers to give COVID awareness training to their workers based on OSHA standards.  Includes Toolbox Talks and handouts.  See the full document HERE