SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — There’s been a nationwide resurgence of COVID this summer, and Sullivan County has one of the highest rates in New York.

The NYS COVID-19 Tracker on July 20 reported 12.5 cases per 100,000 people (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing-tracker).

The highest cases are in the Bronx and Long Island. Nassau County has the highest rate, at 17 cases per 100,000.

Sullivan County has a population of 78,624, according to the U.S. Census. Karen Holden, Sullivan County Public Health Director, told the River Reporter on July 17 that were fewer than 10 active cases across the county.

“While COVID-19 remains a threat to the very young, aged and immuno-compromised, the chances of widespread public transmission in Sullivan are low,” Holden said. “Sullivan County’s Department of Public Health continues to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, wash their hands regularly, and when possible, maintain at least a six-foot distance from anyone known to be sick with COVID. Those who think they or a loved one may have contracted coronavirus should contact their healthcare professional as soon as possible to determine the best treatment. A handy list of do’s and don’ts regarding COVID can be found at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.”

Two sewersheds in Sullivan County monitor the virus in wasterwater, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

Sewershed 1098, a sewage treatment plant that serves 4,925 people, showed its highest concentration of the virus on May 17, with levels going gradually down ever since.

Sewershed 1504, which serves 6,639, showed its highest concentration of the virus on March 15, and, after a steep plunge, a summer-long plateau.

Nationally, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently high, the CDC says.