2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) General Information

Greene County Government and the Town of Windham encourages all residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid exposure to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Greene County and New York State continue to update their response to COVID-19 pages.

New York State Department of Health

Greene County Government

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) and the Greene County Department of Public Health stand ready to respond to any cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in our communities, minimizing the potential spread of the virus, and protecting high-risk individuals.

Self-Quarentine For Returning Travelers

Depending on your travel history, you will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread or ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice).

Countries that have a Level 3 Travel Health Notice (widespread, ongoing transmission):

• China
• Iran
• South Korea
• Europe (Schengen Area): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
• United Kingdom and Ireland: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland

What you need to know about Prevention of the COVID-19 Coronavirus

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
• CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

People at Risk for Serious Illness

Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.

• If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.
  • Stock up on supplies
  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible
  • During a COVID-19 outbreak an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible

What People at Higher Risk can do to Prepare

• Have supplies on hand
  • Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
  • If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications. Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
  • Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
• Take everyday precautions
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Take everyday preventive actions.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
    • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
    • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
    • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
    • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
    • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and cell phones).
    • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

What to do if you are at Higher Risk and Get Sick

• Stay home and call your doctor.
  • Call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
  • If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home. Follow CDC instructions for how to take care of yourself at home.
  • Know when to get emergency help.
    • Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs.
      • Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
      • If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
      ▪ Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
      ▪ Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
      ▪ New confusion or inability to arouse
      ▪ Bluish lips or face
      *This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
  • Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency warning signs listed above.