The Peru Gazette

Resident Feedback about Re-opening Mixed

Plattsburgh, April 23, 2020. Discussion about when and how Clinton County might begin to re-open in the coming weeks has been met with mixed responses on the Clinton County Health Department’s Facebook page and in calls received by the Department. The County’s Office of Emergency Services has seen similar conflicting reactions on its Facebook page.

Numerous residents shared their feelings that allowing businesses to open and activities to resume too quickly, could place people at risk. John Kanoza, Clinton County Director of Public Health, shared this message, “We hear your concerns and will do everything possible to ensure the health of Clinton County residents.”

Mr. Kanoza pointed to steps that have been taken so far that will continue. Clinton County has employed aggressive contact tracing since the first case of COVID-19 appeared in the County. Contact tracing has been conducted for every positive case, as well as for suspect cases. Isolation and quarantine of individuals based upon contact has been used to keep the virus from spreading. “Contact tracing is a tool we will continue to rely on to protect our community,” stated Mr. Kanoza.

Concerns about the number of people tested have been expressed regularly by the public. County officials, the Health Department, CVPH and other health care providers have stated that they share this concern and they have continued to advocate for more tests in the North Country region. “Testing has been based on the availability of testing supplies,” Mr. Kanoza noted. “We will continue to vigorously pursue additional testing capacity.”

The Health Department also heard from many residents earlier in the week about antibody testing that took place on Sunday and Monday. The testing was part of a New York State Department of Health initiative to determine a baseline infection rate for COVID-19. While CCHD was not involved in this testing, they anticipate receiving information from the State Department of Health about the results. Preliminary data was revealed today in Governor Cuomo’s daily briefing. When CCHD receives local Clinton County data, it will be shared with the community.

While the purpose of the antibody test survey was to collect statistical data, CCHD is aware that residents who were tested have begun to receive individual results. CCHD cautions however, that it is unknown at this time how long immunity to the virus will last and whether reinfection is possible. “Every day we learn a bit more about COVID-19,” stated Mr. Kanoza. “Each new piece of information helps us map a direction and will be used further to protect ourselves and each other.”