PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

Two COVID-19 exposures at government center

Counting ballots may resume

Posted 11/19/20

Sullivan County Public Health Services is alerting anyone who visited the Sullivan County Government Center lobby in Monticello and who may have been in close proximity to the ballot-counting activity that they may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

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PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY

Two COVID-19 exposures at government center

Counting ballots may resume

Posted

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County Public Health Services is alerting anyone who visited the Sullivan County Government Center lobby in Monticello and who may have been in close proximity to the ballot-counting activity at the Board of Elections on the following dates and times that they may have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19:

  • Monday, Nov. 16 between 3 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 17 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

“Through the case investigation process by our staff with the positive individual and the Board of Elections staff, it has been determined that only two individuals were identified as direct exposures, and they will be contacted to quarantine. It was also determined that all other visitors and staff did wear masks and were at least six feet or more apart, and the risk of exposure was limited. However, after consultation with the NYS Department of Health, it was advised that a Public Advisory be issued out of an abundance of caution,” stated Nancy McGraw, Public Health Director. “The area will be sanitized, and I anticipate the counting of ballots will resume tomorrow.”

If someone thinks they have been exposed, they should self-quarantine for 14 days and call their health care provider if symptoms develop, or call Sullivan County Public Health Services at 845/292-5910.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms COVID-19 include one or more of the following:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Stay home if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms.

If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

McGraw reminded, “Cases are increasing, and the public should assume that widespread community transmission is occurring again, causing the number of positive cases and those with symptoms of illness to increase. We urge everyone to practice social distancing, handwashing, use of hand sanitizer, and wearing masks at all times when indoors and/or outdoors and near others, to reduce further transmission of the coronavirus. And please, stay home if you are awaiting coronavirus test results.”

Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health support and counseling.

For more information on coronavirus, go to https://sullivanny.us/departments/publichealth/coronavirus or  https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.

Sullivan County, coronavirus, COVID-19

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