Madison County sees rise in cases at nursing homes

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. » After several days with stable numbers, Madison County has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases that appears to be related to a local nursing home facility.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the number of active cases in the county has risen to 33. There have been 147 confirmed positive cases so far. Of those cases, 109 have recovered, and five have died while testing positive for COVID-19.

The Madison County Health Department stated in a press release that it would like to recognize the growing number of positive COVID-19 test cases in the Village of Chittenango, where some of those positive cases are from The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing in Chittenango.

The county shared its understanding for the concern residents and people with family members in the nursing facility may be experiencing given the increase in numbers.

Regarding the positive cases within the facility, the Madison County Health Department said it is working closely with the New York State Health Department, which regulates nursing homes.

“We are working hard to make sure measures are in place to limit exposure for the staff and residents of the facility,” the county stated in the news release.

According to the county, there is limited risk to the surrounding community.

Nursing home residents have a greater risk of getting more serious symptoms from COVID-19, officials noted.

The county added to this, “We all need to do our part to help protect these individuals. That is why visitation has been suspended in facilities like The Grand.”

The county is asking residents to continue

doing the following to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Continue to stay home.

• Do not go out unless you have to for essential goods.

• If you have to go out, please maintain 6 feet of distance away from others.

• Wear a cloth face covering when you are out in public, especially when you are unable to maintain social distancing such as when in a store.

• Please remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer before you touch your face.

For more information please visit Madison County online or call the Madison County non-medical COVID-19 Hotline at 315-366-2770.