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UPDATE: June 1

  • CASES UPDATE ERIE & NIAGARA COUNTY: There are 6,173 total positive lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Erie County residents and 512 deaths. Niagara County has 1,084 cases to date and 70 deaths. 
  • The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) has updated its COVID-19 testing to include anyone who believes that they may have been exposed to or at risk for COVID-19. This update will expand upon previous testing criteria, which included any individual with symptoms of COVID-19, including any of the following: fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell. Individuals who are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (asymptomatic) at the time of sample collection would not be subject to a Commissioner’s Isolation Order. However, any asymptomatic person who receives a positive COVID-19 test result is subject to the Commissioner’s Isolation Order. Any individual who has COVID-19 symptoms at the time their sample is collected will be under a Commissioner’s Isolation Order until their test results are available. Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms before they receive their results should take immediate steps to remain at home, isolate themselves from others in their household and consult with their physician. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms are strongly encouraged to contact their primary care physician to help manage their care. To start the COVID-19 diagnostic testing process through the Erie County Department of Health, call (716) 858-2929. Foreign language interpretation is available. The expansion of Erie County’s criteria is possible because of the increase in testing capacity by the Erie County Public Health Lab, the New York State Department of Health, and our partners in the health care community including Kaleida Health.
  • Local healthcare systems are planning for an expected surge in cases; Seniors in Erie County can still get Meals on Wheels; Officials advise using 9-1-1 ONLY for true emergencies;  County parks are open, but overcrowding is a concern at some locations. For details, see graphics or go to: www2.erie.gov/health/pres
  • FRAUD ALERT: At this time there are no FDA-approved drugs or treatments for COVID-19. There are also no over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. If you get an email, phone call, offer by mail or other solicitation for these scams, hang up and ignore them. This is a very important warning to reinforce for every Erie County resident. The best medical advice for you comes from your physician.
  • Our COVID-19 Information Line team is working with many county departments and outside agencies to keep our Frequently Asked Questions updated. Review that list here:http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=frequently-asked-questions-and-answers-about-covid-19-coronavirus
  • People who use or operate ride shares, taxi services or public transportation should make every effort to keep six feet away from others to the extent that is possible. Taxi and ride share operators should take steps to properly disinfect hard surfaces in the vehicle in between riders and stops.
  • The Division of Environmental Health offices at 503 Kensington Ave. in Buffalo have restricted access to the public by appointment only.

General Information and Resources

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.  For the latest information, go to CDC COVID-19 website.

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Information Regarding Business Closures and Staffing

General Information

Other Resources and Information

Community Resources
Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare Facilities
Businesses
Horticulture
Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF)
First Responders & Law Enforcement
Masks and How To Make Them
Mental Health
Mental Health Association Resource Guide
Early Intervention Services
Fraudulent Covid Equipment Reporting
Funeral Directors
Medicaid Providers
Adult Day Health Care Program Services
Homeless Population
COVID-19 and Animals
Restaurants Open for Take-Out
Schools & Childcare Programs
Travelers
Community and Faith-Based
Large Community Events & Mass Gatherings

Career Opportunities

Erie County has received information from some local employers who are expanding hiring at this time. This list is subject to change, but as of this afternoon the following companies and web sites have career and application information available:

o   Amazon: https://www.indeed.com/q-Amazon-l-Buffalo,-NY-jobs.html

o   ARC of Erie County: www.arceriecounty.org

o   Catholic Health: https://jobs.chsbuffalo.org

o   Community Services For Every1: www.csevery1.com

o   CVS: https://jobs.cvshealth.com

o   Dash’s Market: https://www.dashsmarket.com

o   Dollar General: https://careers.dollargeneral.com

o   Erie County Medical Center (ECMC): www.ecmc.edu/careers

o   General Mills: https://careers.generalmills.com

o   HiOperator: https://www.indeedjobs.com/hioperator-417bd07/jobs

o   Instacart: https://shoppers.instacart.com

o   Kaleida Health: https://www.kaleidahealth.org/careers

o   O-at-ka Milk Products: https://oatkamilk.com/careers

o   OLV Human Services: https://www.olvhumanservices.org/careers

o   SERVPRO Southtowns: https://www.servprothesouthtowns.com/careers

o   Steuben Foods            : http://www.steubenfoods.com/job-openings

o   Suburban Adult Services: https://www.sasinc.org/Careers

o   Tops Markets: https://www.topsmarkets.com/Careers

o   Upstate Niagara Cooperative: https://www.upstateniagara.com/careers

o   Walmart: https://careers.walmart.com

o   Wegmans: www.jobs.wegmans.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 Coronavirus

What is COVID-19? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.  For the latest information, go to CDC COVID-19 website.  

How does COVID-19 spread? The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath.

What are severe complications from this virus? Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death. 

Is there a vaccine or treatment? There is currently no vaccine and no specific treatment for this disease.  People infected with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

How can I help protect myself? There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However you should follow these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

  • Wash your hands often and correctly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue use your elbow not your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • See the CDC Checklist for Individuals and Families

What cleaning products should I use? Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product. See CDC’s Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations for more information.

What to Do If You Get Sick. If you get sick with fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:

  • First, call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms
  • Avoid contact with others.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue use your elbow not your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Before seeking health care call ahead to the facility and tell them your situation. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.

How do I get tested for COVID-19? For testing information please call your healthcare provider.  Communications have been sent to healthcare providers regarding testing guidelines.  Your healthcare provider will need to determine whether or not you need to be tested. If your healthcare provider approves your testing, your provider, NOT YOU, will contact the ECDOH.  

How do I know if I came in contact with someone who tested positive in Erie County? You will be notified by the Erie County Department of Health.

What is a Person Under Investigation (PUI)? PUI is a person that has met specific criteria set by the CDC and is being monitored for disease.

What is the difference between isolation and quarantine? First, both Isolation and Quarantine are similar in that they are both imposed to limit the spread of communicable disease. The differences are as follows.

          Isolation:

  • To separate ill people who have a communicable disease from those who do not have that disease
    Restrict the movement of people who are ill to help stop the spread of certain diseaseQuarantine:
  • To separate and restrict the movement of well people who may have been exposed to a communicable disease
  • To monitor these people and see if they become ill
  • These people may have been exposed, but not know it, or have the disease without symptoms

Where can I find additional information?

Use reliable, fact-based sources when seeking out information about COVID-19 and other public health topics. We recommend the following sites.

Erie County information line at 716-858-2929 and the NYS Hotline at 1-888-364-3065

 

 

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