Cortland, Broome, Tioga face elevated risk

Cortland County was elevated Thursday night to a medium risk of coronavirus, meaning people exposed to a COVID-19 patient should wear a mask, as well as anyone displaying symptoms, the CDC reports.

In the meantime, Broome and Tioga counties were elevated to high risk communities, and the federal government recommends everyone wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

Cortland County had 103 new cases of COVID-19 between Sept. 7 and Tuesday, giving it a rate of 216.47 cases per 100,000 people, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

It had a “medium” risk, under CDC guidelines. Under metrics and guidance from the CDC — which take into account the number of new cases in a week, the number of hospitalizations and hospital capacity:

• In counties with a “high risk,” wearing a mask in indoor public places is still recommended.
• In counties with a “medium risk,” people with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. People at a high risk for severe illness should consult their healthcare provider about the need for a mask or o ther precautions.
• In counties with a “low risk,” no additional precautions beyond staying up to date with vaccines and getting tested if one has symptoms are recommended.

The rates and risk, from the CDC:
Cortland: 216.47 — medium
Tompkins: 125.27 — low
Cayuga: 135.81 — medium
Onondaga: 138.97 — medium
Broome: 137.54 — high
Chenango: 105.92 — low
Tioga: 112.03 — high
Madison: 109.95 — low

14 cases reported in Cortland County
Cortland County reported 14 cases of COVID-19 Thursday, raising the number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 12,284, the state Health Department reports.

Tompkins and Cayuga counties reported 40 new cases, the state reported Thursday. The three counties have seen 55,297 cases since the pandemic began in March 2020. The number of people who have died from the virus remains 383.

• One new COVID patient was admitted to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center on Tuesday, the state Health Department reported Wednesday. The hospital had three COVID patients. Since the pandemic began, 738 Cortland County residents have been hospitalized for COVID; that figure was last updated Sept. 8. The state Health Department reports 298,251 tests have been administered. The state has reported 128 deaths.
• Tompkins County saw 21 new cases Thursday, the state Health Department reported. The number of confirmed cases rose to 24,324. The state reports 3,045,791 tests have been administered. Ninety-two Tompkins residents have died.
• Cayuga County saw 19 new cases, the state Health Department reported Thursday. Confirmed cases rose to 18,689. The state reports 381,585 tests have been administered, and 163 people have died.