ask-up, Get Vaccinated, Get Boosted, Get Tested, Stay Home When You are Sick
NEW CITY, NY, – The Rockland County Health Commissioner, Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, urges that all residents protect themselves from the current surge of COVID-19 in Rockland County and across the nation. It is time for all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to put on a mask that fully covers their nose and mouth and secure it under their chin in all indoor public spaces and when gathering with people who do not live in your household.
For additional COVID-19 protection, get your booster shot as soon as you are eligible. For individuals aged 5 and older who are still unvaccinated, now is the time to get fully vaccinated.
Omicron (B.1.1.529) is the newest fast-spreading variant that was first detected in the United States on December 1, 2021. The week that ended January 9th, there were 10,507 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rockland County. This dramatic increase in cases includes mostly Omicron along with other previous variants such as Delta. For the latest COVID-19 data, visit the Rockland County Coronavirus Dashboard Hub page: https://rockland-covid-19-portal-rockland.hub.arcgis.com/.
Due to the high volume of cases, the Rockland County Department of Health is unable to routinely contact all positive COVID-19 cases and contacts reported to us through lab-confirmed testing. Do not report a positive home test to the health department since it cannot be verified. Those who require isolation orders or release notices should use the self-service options on our COVID-19 webpage.
“It is even more important for everyone who did not yet get their initial vaccine series to get it right away. Ensuring as many people as possible, age five and older, are fully vaccinated remains the most effective action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With this new variant circulating, I encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible and to get a booster dose, if eligible, for maximum protection. Anyone with questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines should talk to their doctor,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
The COVID‐19 vaccine can reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines remain safe, effective, and free. With highly contagious variants such as Omicron, breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people will occur. However, COVID-19 vaccines, especially with boosters, are effective at preventing severe or fatal COVID-19 infections.
To get a vaccine, visit the RCDOH COVID-19 webpage for more information at http://rcklnd.us/covid19. To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov, and the New York State (NYS) Am I Eligible webpage. If you need assistance, call the Rockland County COVID Call Center at 845-238-1956 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday (except holidays).
The surge in COVID-19 cases makes it clear how important it is to use all the prevention tools available such as:
- Get a COVID-19 vaccination and booster.
- Use properly fitted face masks; required in indoor public spaces.
- When gathering with people not living in your household, wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. If it is not too cold outside, open the windows and/or a door to circulate fresh air in the room.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using your elbow or a tissue.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Test yourself for COVID-19 before visiting vulnerable people.
Be prepared now for any COVID-19 positive cases or quarantine that may occur in your home. You should stock an emergency supply of food and water for your family and pets, as well as any essential medications. Preparing ahead can make things less stressful and help you get through the required COVID-19 quarantine and isolation protocols. For the latest guidance on isolation (when infected) and quarantine (when exposed), visit http://rcklnd.us/covid19.
Get tested if you have been exposed, are feeling unwell, plan to be with others outside your household, or will be visiting vulnerable loved ones. For information on test sites near you, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing.