News Flash

If you are a Schuyler County resident and your at-home COVID test comes back positive, please fill out the COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form by clicking here. If you do not have an email address, please call our office on the next business day (607-535-8140). The form can also be found linked on the main page of the Public Health website.

What should I do if I test positive?

Please note:

• If you have tested positive, most people will not receive a phone call from NYS or Public Health.
• You will be self-responsible to print off the below Affirmation of Isolation form if you need one for your employer / school or for the New York Paid Family Leave for COVID-19. This Affirmation of Isolation will serve as your Isolation Order and your Release Notice.
• If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, please call your Healthcare Provider. If it is a medical emergency, call 911.

• You can also click here for detailed information from the CDC on What to Do If You Are Sick.

Steps to take if you tested positive

1. Stay home for 5 days
   • From when your symptoms started, or if you don't have symptoms, stay home for 5 days from your test date.
   • Please note: If you are still having a fever at day 5, continue to stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours.
2. Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 more days
   
   • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your home.
   • Wear a well-fitting mask when around others, as you may still be contagious up until about 10 days after your symptoms started or you tested positive.
   • Please note: If you can't wear a mask or are moderately-severely immunocompromised, you should stay home for the full 10 days.
3. Inform your employer / school and anyone you may have exposed
   
   • Refer the people you exposed to the "What should I do if I was exposed to COVID?" section on our website.
   • People with COVID are typically contagious for about 10 days after their symptoms start and the two days before their symptoms started.
   • People are most likely to get COVID from you if they were within 6 feet of you while you were contagious for 10+ minutes or if you spent a long time with you in the same room / enclosed space. This most likely would include:
     • People who live in your home with you
     • People you may have visited with
     • People you work with or attend school with
     • People who provide services to you in your home
4. Print / download a copy to your phone / computer of the following Affirmation of Isolation form for your records and to give to your employer / school, if needed.
   • Click here to affirm that you tested positive for COVID and isolated in a manner consistent with New York State Department of Health guidance.
   • This Affirmation of Isolation will serve as your Isolation Order and your Release Notice.