FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2020
Contact: John Lyon, Director of Strategic Communications (845) 638-5645
               Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, D.O., M.P.H., CPE, DABFM, FAAFP (845) 364-2512

STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES
STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

New City, NY - - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert continue to warn residents of the widespread confirmation of COVID-19 in our county. The cases are rising dramatically each day, and it is expected this trend will continue. Currently, there are 1694 reported positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Rockland County. We are reporting the 8th death within Rockland County due to COVID-19. The death occurred on March 26, 2020. The decedent was 71 years old and had other significant health problems. The total number of deaths in Rockland County due to COVID-19 is currently 8.

At this time, all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason, are to be canceled or postponed. Additionally, all nonessential businesses will have 100% of their workforce stay home. Essential businesses are described here: https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

All residents have been asked to stay home, including children and teens not in school, unless you must get food, medical supplies, or are an essential employee that must work outside the home. To further reduce interaction with others, use delivery services or curbside pickup when possible. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people. It is important that everyone stay home, healthy or sick. Any public place in Rockland is a potential site for COVID-19 exposure.

If you become mildly ill, stay home, and manage your symptoms. For residents who have symptoms indicative of COVID-19, contact your medical provider to discuss your symptoms. Do not dial 9-1-1 unless you have an immediate medical emergency.

For test results from Anthony Wayne Recreational Area in Harriman State Park, you may create a BioReference Laboratories patient portal. Visit the county's COVID-19 page for instructions.

Continue to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your cough and sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, and do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, handles, remote controls, and phones often.

For more information and testing questions call the New York State 24-hour hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
For emotional support call the New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline at 1-844-863-9314 from 8am-10pm, 7 days a week or call the Rockland County Department of Mental Health at 845-364-2955, M-F 9am-3pm.
For local information and resources call 211
Visit the county's COVID-19 page
Follow the county health department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rockhealth or Twitter at www.twitter.com/rockhealth