Cortland and Tompkins counties remained a low risk of coronavirus spread, the federal government reported Thursday, as the risk in surrounding counties remained stable.
Cortland County had 31 new cases of COVID-19 between Dec. 22 and Wednesday, giving it a rate of 65.15 cases per 100,000 people, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
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 other 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: 65.15 — low
Tompkins: 70.46 — low
Cayuga: 56.15 — low
Onondaga: 74.26 — low
Broome: 104.99 — medium
Chenango: 57.19 — low
Tioga: 62.24 — medium
Madison: 57.79 — low
Cortland County reports 8 new COVID cases
Cortland County reported eight new cases of COVID-19 Friday, raising the number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 13,034, the state Health Department reports.
Tompkins and Cayuga counties reported 17 new cases Friday, the state reported. The three counties have seen 58,903 cases since the pandemic began in March 2020. The number of people who have died from the virus remains 406.
- Two COVID patients were admitted to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center on Wednesday, the state Health Department reported Wednesday. The hospital had four COVID patients. Since the pandemic began, 846 Cortland County residents have been hospitalized for COVID; that number was last updated Wednesday. The state Health Department reports 310,953 tests have been administered. The state has reported 133 deaths.
- Tompkins County saw 13 new cases Friday, the state Health Department reported. The number of confirmed cases rose to 25,960. The state reports 3,066,527 tests have been administered. Ninety-eight Tompkins residents have died.
- Cayuga County saw four new cases Friday, the state Health Department reported. Confirmed cases rose to 19,909. The state reports 402,207 tests have been administered, and 175 people have died.
