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Chautauqua County confirmed cases remain at three

No new coronavirus cases were reported today in Chautauqua County, according to the county’s COVID-19 Response team.

“Our goal is to identify new cases quickly and prevent or limit secondary exposures to ensure public health and safety,” said Christine Schuyler, public health director. “We will publicize locations where positive cases may have been prior to diagnosis if the epidemiological investigation warrants it.”

Isolation and quarantine orders are as follows:

• Mandatory quarantine, a confirmed positive COVID-19 case or a household contact of a confirmed positive COVID-19 case — 11.

• Precautionary quarantine, a travel history to CDC level 3 country or proximal contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 — 21.

• Mandatory isolation, symptomatic of COVID-19 and pending COVID-19 lab test — 52.

Public health nurses are continuing their intensive epidemiological investigations to identify the close contacts of those with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Once identified, they notify the close household and proximal contacts of their potential exposure to COVID-19 and they are placed under the appropriate level of quarantine to monitor for symptoms. Public Health Law provides the authority to enforce orders of the Public Health Officer. If an individual fails to follow the mandatory order of the Public Health Officer, the Health Department will bring the individual before a judge who would then issue a court order. If the individual continues to violate, then he/she can be incarcerated.

For those overwhelmed, the state Office of Mental Health is offering a NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Line; it is staffed by specially trained volunteers who can help. The pandemic has left many of us feeling anxious and stressed. Learn more about managing anxiety in difficult times by visiting https://omh.ny.gov/ or calling 1-844-863-9314.

We are aware of the strain being out of work due to state mandated shutdowns is having on many; this is a difficult time. There are some resources where you can find help.

• Discuss your situation with your employer. If you are employed, that should be your first call.

• NY Connects is a trusted place to go for free, unbiased information about services and supports for people of all ages or with any type of disability. https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/ 1-800-342-9871

• New York state is waiving the seven-day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Before you can collect, you must apply for benefits. https://www.ny.gov/services/get-unemployment-assistance 1-888-209-8124 (The volume of claims has increased drastically, causing a critical drain on the website and phones. NYSDOL is aware of the issue and is working to develop solutions.)

• If you are losing income and need help with temporary social assistance payments, SNAP benefits, HEAP to help with heating, contact Chautauqua County Department of Social Services. https://chqgov.com/humansocial-services/application-information Jamestown 716-661-8200 or Dunkirk 716-363-3500

• If you are trying to find work, many local businesses are hiring. Chautauqua Works can help you find out about these opportunities. The offices are closed, but they are working remotely and you can visit http://www.chautauquaworks.com/ or call 716-661-9553 or 716-366-9015

• Chautauqua County Government website has a list of Services and Benefits resources and contact numbers. https://chqgov.com/alert/services-and-benefits

• United Way of Southern Chautauqua County has an expansive list of community resources in Northern and Southern Chautauqua County. https://www.uwayscc.org/covid-19-get-help

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