COVID Keeps Taking Loved Ones: Death Tolls For Chenango, Delaware, And Otsego
The first week in January may seem like a while ago, and that's when there was a spike in COVID-19 cases, but in coronavirus terms, it was really like just yesterday since this virus is still claiming lives in Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego Counties, despite the decline in active cases.
Below, check out the latest COVID-related information in our tri-county, New York region.
OTSEGO COUNTY COVID REPORT
The Otsego County Department of Health has not been reporting the specific number of COVID cases in the county since there's no way to accurately assess that number with at-home COVID testing available. Health officials can only report confirmed cases that they are made aware of. On February 28, an update from OCDH shows case numbers continuing to decline with the community COVID level LOW. There are currently 6 people hospitalized with COVID-related complications. The total COVID-related deaths since January 1 is up to 15 with one new death reported. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a total of 125 people have died from COVID-related complications. The Health Dept. has a COVID-19 dashboard with daily updates for the latest information.
DELAWARE COUNTY COVID REPORT
Case numbers are also declining in Delaware County right now, however, the level of COVID-19 transmission remains SUBSTANTIAL in Delaware County according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Delaware County Health officials have an update from February 25 but did not report the total number of cases in the county, again, due to at-home testing. The only currently available information was that from Feb. 19 to Feb. 25, there were 42 new positive COVID cases confirmed. The total number of deaths related to coronavirus complications in 2022 is 15. Go to delawarecountypublichealth.com/covid-19/#Dash to access the Delaware County Public Health COVID-19 dashboard.
For those in Delaware County who are conducting home COVID tests, county health officials encourage you to report a COVID positive test result. CLICK HERE to report.
CHENANGO COUNTY COVID REPORT
In Chenango County, the health department last reported on Feb. 23, saying that the total of deaths related to the virus is now at 109 with 7 recent deaths.
The level of COVID-19 transmission remains HIGH in Chenango County according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For those who are currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.co.chenango.ny.us/public-health/nursing/covid19.php to find information on the latest clinics available. Those who wish to receive the vaccine need to register online.
Pop-up Vaccination Sites Across New York State:
Pop-up vaccination site locations to increase access to vaccinations in rural communities change every week. To find out the latest location, visit covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/nys-vaxtoschool-pop-locations.
Below is a list of resources for vaccines for those 5 and older:
NYS Am I eligible site: am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov
Or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
For UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital you may call 607-337-4888
For BASSETT you may call the information line at 605-547-5555 or visit Bassett.org.
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 CLICK HERE to learn what to do next.
To get information about COVID-19 vaccination distribution, CLICK HERE.
NEW, NY STATE COVID TESTING SITES IN OUR REGION
Keep in mind that if you need a COVID-19 test, a New York State site is open at SUNY Oneonta. Quadrant Biosciences has an easy, mouth-swab test that is self-administered that is free. It's located at SUNY Oneonta's Emergency Service Building, 26 S. West Dorm Drive. Walk-ins are welcome or schedule your appointment at quadrantbiosciences.com/covidtesting.
You can also search for testing sites by visiting the COVID-19 Test Site Finder from the New York State Department of Health. It helps you locate where to access Covid testing near you. Just put in your zip code at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.