The Cortland County Health Department reiterated recent federal guidelines easing self-isolation standards for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, including influenza and RSV.
On March 1, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that to protect themselves and others, people should:
• Stay up to date with immunizations.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Take steps for cleaner air.
If you believe you have a respiratory illness:
• Stay home and away from others
• You can go back to normal activities if after 24 hours if your symptoms are improving and you have not had a fever, without using fever-reducing medication.
• When you go back to normal activities, wear a mask, practice good hygiene and test.
• Seek health care promptly for testing and treatment if you are at high risk for severe illness.
Additional prevention strategies including wearing a mask, keeping distance from people and testing.
“The new CDC guidance on respiratory viruses reflects that the threat from COVID-19 is not what it was two or three years ago,” said Dr. Douglas MacQueen, the county’s medical consultant. “While it is still widespread, it is more like any other cold or respiratory virus for most people. COVID-19 can still kill people who are elderly, have weakened immune systems, severe lung or heart disease, or are severely overweight. People with one of those conditions should consider wearing a mask when respiratory infections are common in the community or if they are around people who are sick. They should be tested for COVID and influenza if they are ill, and treated with antiviral medications if they test positive for either infection. Lastly, they should keep up to date on influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Remember, regular exercise is the best way to keep your heart and lungs healthy which will help you if you have one of these infections!”
Library gets grant to help with disabilities
DRYDEN — The Southworth Library Association has been awarded $20,000 for the Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association effort to provide resources to libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.
The $20,000 grant will help the library provide staff training, rework space to be more accommodating and provide programming, the library has announced. “We are very excited to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Diane Pamel. “We are looking forward to discovering how we can improve our services to ensure that people with disabilities feel welcome and comfortable in our space.”
The Southworth Library Association staff will host a conversation with residents about how to better service residents with disabilities and their families, and how to modify the space and programming.
To take part in the conversation, contact Pamel at southworthlibrary@gmail.com, call 607-844-4782 or visit www.southworthlibrary.org.
