The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, March 28, 2020. Clinton County Health Department staff continue to track the number of tests that come back positive for COVID-19 and trace contacts for each confirmed case. As of this morning, Clinton County has 12 positive cases including one inmate at the Clinton Correctional facility and one probable case. There are also 3 suspect cases associated with one of the lab confirmed cases; these three have not been tested. One hundred and eighteen (118) tests have come back negative. Fifty-eight (58) residents are in quarantine without symptoms and 13 are isolated due to symptoms or positive test results. These numbers will change as contacts of additional cases are identified. Other individuals in the community are also self-quarantining or self-isolating based upon general recommendations for anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are having symptoms, even if they have not been tested.

Other Health Department staff are supporting the effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by filling planning, logistics, and finance roles; other staff are developing social and traditional media content to keep the public informed of the status of the COVID-19 outbreak as well as how to remain physically and emotionally healthy during this difficult time. A significant number of the Department’s employees are working from home. Those on site are practicing social distancing and other practices to combat spread of the virus. “We need to keep our workforce healthy because we care and because our community needs us,” stated John Kanoza, Director of Public Health for Clinton County
CCHD is not the only county department hard at work. Others directly involved in COVID-19 response activities include the Legislature, Sheriff, Office of Emergency Services, Airport, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Social Services, and the Building and Grounds Departments. County leaders have reduced the workforce to comply with New York State Executive Order 202.4 and to protect workers and residents; however, many County Departments are still operating and continue to provide normal essential services to residents. The County’s website has been updated with information on the operational status of each department. A pink bar across the top of the website’s homepage reads: Current Clinton County Operational Status – Click Here for Information. According to County Administrator, Mike Zurlo, “This information is a useful tool for residents who may be wondering what services are available to them. It will be updated as changes occur.