Cortland, Tompkins elevated to medium risk

Cortland and Tompkins counties were elevated to medium risk of coronavirus spread, the federal government reported Friday, as the risk in Chenango and Madison counties was lowered to that level.

The risk level remained high in Tioga and Broome counties, medium in Cayuga and Onondaga, and low in Madison and Chenango.

Cortland County had 34 new cases of COVID-19 between Nov. 3 and Wednesday, giving it a rate of 71.46 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 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: 71.46 — medium
Tompkins: 100.80 — medium
Cayuga: 69.21 — medium
Onondaga: 84.47 — medium
Broome: 130.19 — high
Chenango: 114.39 — low
Tioga: 112.03 — high
Madison: 73.30 — low

Cortland reports 12 new COVID cases
Cortland County reported 12 cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and Friday, raising the number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 12,783, the state Health Department reports.

Tompkins and Cayuga counties reported 43 new cases Thursday and Friday, the state reported. The three counties have seen 57,712 cases since the pandemic began in March 2020. The number of people who have died from the virus remains 395.

• One new COVID patient was admitted to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center on Wednesday, and two Thursday, the state Health Department reported Friday. The hospital had nine COVID patients. Since the pandemic began, 805 Cortland County residents have been hospitalized for COVID; that number was last updated Nov. 2. The state Health Department reports 305,326 tests have been administered. The state has reported 130 deaths.
• Tompkins County saw 25 new cases Thursday and Friday, the state Health Department reported. The number of confirmed cases rose to 25,375. The state reports 3,057,934 tests have been administered. Ninety-seven Tompkins residents have died.
• Cayuga County saw 18 new cases Thursday and Friday, the state Health Department reported. Confirmed cases rose to 19,554. The state reports 393,418 tests have been administered, and 168 people have died.