Saratoga County positive COVID-19 cases at 131
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » The number of confirmed positive Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases stood at 131 on Wednesday, with 14 news cases from the previous day, according to the Saratoga County Department of Public Health.
Of the positive cases, 18 of those individuals are hospitalized.
Officials have previously warned residents the number of confirmed cases is not believed to accurately reflect the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the community because of limited tests in the region. They previously added the availability of testing at local hospitals remains limited and the criteria for testing has become more stringent.
They stressed the need for residents to continue to work together to “flatten the curve” and take precautions to protect themselves.
Meanwhile, the County Department of Public Health and the Sheriff’s Office said they continue to receive reports of people gathering in groups and not adhering to physical distancing guidance issued by federal, state, and local agencies.
“People need to understand that they are putting their loved ones at risk if they contract the virus but are asymptomatic,” Saratoga County Director of Public Health Cathi Duncan said in a press release. “Everyone should avoid gathering in groups both large and small or meeting people in person whenever possible while continuing to practice good respiratory hygiene.
“This is a serious virus, it can show up as mild symptoms in one person and make another person
critically ill. Everyone needs to do their part in protecting themselves, as well as others.”
On March 31, Saratoga Springs city officials held a press conference in which they announced the possibility of fines of up to $250 for individuals not complying with ordinances to refrain from gathering in groups.
In recent days, officials placed signs requesting out-of-town visitors to self-isolate for 14 days in accordance with the Public Health Advisory. Signs were posted at the intersection of the off-ramp of I-87 (Exit 9) and Route 146 in Clifton Park, and the intersection of Route 29 & 147 in Galway.