The Chautauqua County COVID-19 Response team met this morning to evaluate and respond to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. This team is made up of local Public Health and Emergency Response professionals. As of March 22, county officials can still report that Chautauqua County has 0 confirmed cases of COVID-19; 36 individuals are in precautionary quarantine status and are being monitored daily by public health nurses.

The Health Department is not able to provide an accurate number of individuals being tested for COVID-19 in the county. The department is not being notified of all individuals being tested by their health care providers. Any and all positive results will be reported to the Health Department through New York State’s electronic reporting system.

The county wants to continue to stress the importance of following the precautionary guidelines and social gathering regulations. Complying with these guidelines will help decrease the spread of the novel coronavirus:

• Wash your hands (for 20 seconds) often throughout the day;

• Cover your cough and sneezes, but not with your hand;

• Avoid close contact with others (leave at least 6 feet between people); and

• Stay home.

Stay well — make the most of your time at home. We care about you. Here are another COVID-19 things you CAN STILL do in Chautauqua County. And always, wash your hands and frequently touched surfaces; for now, keep a physical distance of 6 feet between you and others.

1. Complete the US Census.

2. Brush your pet.

3. Walk the beach – Lake Erie or Chautauqua Lake.

4. Take pictures of nature.

5. Cook on the grill.

6. Buy flowers.

7. Write an encouraging note and send it in the mail.

8. Make an old family recipe with the kids.

9. Tackle that project that you have been putting off for weeks/months/years.

10. Play cards.

11. Put the vacation photos that you took 5 years ago in an album.

12. Take advantage of free at-home fitness offerings; both local gyms/yoga studios, as well as chains like Planet Fitness, are offering YouTube or live streaming classes.

13. Video call/Facetime classmates, family, and friends.

14. Make a care package for someone and leave it on their porch.

15. Get your lawn furniture and garden decorations out.

16. Practice gratitude — start by writing down three things you are thankful for each morning.

17. Take everything off your kitchen counters and give them a good cleansing.

18. Feed the birds.

19. Smile (when someone who is worried sees your smile, it is comforting).