The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, January 13, 2022. Due to the recent surge in cases, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) announced that local health departments are no longer required to contact trace for COVID-19. 

During this transition, the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) and Virtual Call Center (VCC) will continue to prioritize calls to lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases to residents who fall in high risks categories. These categories include children in K-12 school setting (ages 18 and younger), those 65 years of age and older, and those who live or work in a congregate setting. However, in light of the continued high volume of new daily cases, lab-confirmed positive cases should not anticipate receiving a phone call. 

Individuals testing positive for COVID-19, or those in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, are encouraged to access the NYSDOH’s website for the most up-to-date guidance for isolation and quarantine. If needed, individuals can also now request an affirmation of isolation or quarantine directly from NYS. 

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, stay home and isolate yourself from others for 5 days from symptom onset. Tell your close contacts that you have COVID-19 right away so they can monitor for symptoms. If your symptoms are improving, you may discontinue home isolation on day 6 but you must continue to wear a well-fitted face covering and social distance whenever around others for another 5 days. Visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/01/affirmation_of_isolation_011222.pdf to self-register for isolation paperwork. 

If you have tested positive using an at-home test, stay home and isolate yourself from others for 5 days from symptom onset. If your symptoms are improving, you may discontinue home isolation on day 6 but continue to wear a well-fitted face covering and social distance whenever around others for another 5 days. You do not need to seek additional testing unless you require isolation paperwork. 

Anyone who has been identified as a high-risk, close contact (i.e. household members, domestic partners) that are not fully vaccinated, including a booster if eligible, should stay home for 5 days from their last interaction with the positive case and monitor for symptoms. Visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/01/affirmation_of_quarantine_011222.pdf to self-register for quarantine paperwork. 

Additional information can be found by visiting https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/contact-tracing-frequently-asked-questions.