Coronavirus (COVID-19)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

FOR RESIDENTS

STAY HOME, STOP THE SPREAD, SAVE LIVES!

* Due to the large spread of COVID-19 in the county, the health department will no longer be able to advise residents where potential exposures have occurred. Please consider any public site in Rockland as a potential site of COVID-19 exposure.

FOR BUSINESSES & NONPROFITS

FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

 See the links below for clinical guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

 What is a Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

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A novel coronavirus (COVID-19 ) is a new virus that has not been previously found in humans. The virus can cause either mild illness, such as a cold, or can make people sick with pneumonia.

This new virus was first detected in China and is now spreading worldwide including in the United States.

Symptoms

Information to date suggests that COVID-19 causes mild-to-moderate illness and flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, or shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can cause complications such as pneumonia.

If a person is sick with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or has symptoms, they must stay home and limit contact with others, including people in their household, as much as possible. If medical care is needed, contact your doctor or clinic before arriving. 

Prevention

It is recommended that Rockland residents take the following precautions to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19):

  • Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
  • Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid shaking hands.
  • Stay at home unless you must go to work, seek medical care, or get groceries.
  • Practice physical distancing, stay 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people (healthy or sick), stay home. For social distancing flyers, see links to download different versions: English, Spanish, Creole, and Yiddish

A note from Dr. Ruppert, the Rockland County Commissioner of Health: 

In New York, our collective efforts at physical distancing are helping to control the COVID-19 pandemic. All residents, including children and teens, must continue to stay at home unless you need essential supplies, or are an essential employee that is required to work outside the home. Please consider any public site in Rockland as a potential site for COVID-19 exposure.

Per a NYS executive order, you must wear a mask or a face covering when out in public. Be sure the mask or cloth covering fully covers your mouth and nose. Remember to continue to follow the basics of good personal hygiene including to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using your elbow or a tissue, and don't touch eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and clean heavily used surfaces often.

We are all in this together, and each of us has an individual responsibility to do our part to curb the spread of this disease. Your choices now and throughout this outbreak will make the difference between life and death for members of our community. The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) continues to work tirelessly to monitor, investigate, and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

April 17, 2020

Please see our cancellations page for up to date information on meeting, event, class and exam cancellations and/or postponements.