Join the Rockland County Department of Health for their upcoming free workshops, “Living Well with Diabetes” and “Better Choices, Better Health.” Call the numbers indicated on the fliers to register!
RC Health Dept offers free workshops
Rockland County Department of Health
Rockland County Health Department
Robert L. Yeager Health Center
50 Sanatorium Rd, Bldg D, Pomona, NY 10970
Administration: 845-364-2512
Disease Control: 845-364-2997
Emergency Medical Services: 845-364-8923
Environmental Health: 845-364-2608
Epidemiology: 845-364-2956
Website
HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FREE MOSQUITO CONTROL PRODUCTS TO KEEP POOLS & OUTDOOR SPAS MOSQUITO FREE
NEW CITY, NY, – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announce the availability of free Mosquito Control Products for the 2022 season to help County residents reduce the number of mosquitoes on their property.
Mosquito Dunks® will be available, free of charge, for pickup at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona (10970). Dunks can be ordered in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or e-mailing wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to arrange a date and time for pickup, while supplies last. Visit the Mosquito Control Program webpage for details and to download a printable Order Form. It is important to know the approximate dimensions of your closed/unused pool/spa to ensure that you get the correct number of dunks for effective treatment. Please bring the completed and signed form to the pickup location on the arranged day and time.
Mosquito Dunks® are small, donut-shaped objects that float on standing water and release bacteria that kill mosquitoes before they can become flying, biting adults. The Health Department provides them to County residents to use in closed or unused private swimming pools and spas. Dunks are effective on wet surfaces for approximately 30 days. A single dunk will treat an area of about 100 square feet of standing water. Always follow the label instructions when using Mosquito Dunks® or any other pesticide.
The Health Department plans to have Fathead minnows available for a one-day-only giveaway in May at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona. The date of the giveaway is still to be determined. Please visit the Mosquito Control Program webpage regularly for updates. You can pre-order the minnows now online, download a printable Order Form, or call 845-364-3173.
Fathead minnows are small fish that eat mosquito larvae before they become flying, biting adults. They can eat up to 200 mosquito larvae per day. These minnows can be placed in unused swimming pools, ornamental ponds, and other similar areas that have a minimum of eight inches of water. It is not necessary to stock these fish in streams and rivers, as mosquitoes do not typically lay eggs in moving water. If frogs, salamanders, and/or other fish are already present in the area of concern, it is unnecessary to add the minnows, as the existing animal population should provide appropriate mosquito control.
“The Mosquito Dunks® & fathead minnow giveaways are a perfect way for all of us to take action to help control the mosquito population and protect ourselves and the community from vector-borne diseases. We encourage residents to take advantage of these free mosquito control products. Remember, the most effective mosquito control begins in your own backyard, so be sure to check around your property for any items that can hold water and store them in a manner that prevents them from collecting water,” said Dr. Ruppert.
“I applaud our Health Department for going above and beyond to protect Rockland residents against all threats, including mosquitos,” said County Executive Ed Day. “This program will help communities control mosquito populations while reducing the threat of vector-borne diseases.”
For more information, visit the Rockland County Health Department Mosquito Control Program webpage at http://bit.ly/2aXY0E4
COVID-19 SURGE IN ROCKLAND
ask-up, Get Vaccinated, Get Boosted, Get Tested, Stay Home When You are Sick
NEW CITY, NY, – The Rockland County Health Commissioner, Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, urges that all residents protect themselves from the current surge of COVID-19 in Rockland County and across the nation. It is time for all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to put on a mask that fully covers their nose and mouth and secure it under their chin in all indoor public spaces and when gathering with people who do not live in your household.
For additional COVID-19 protection, get your booster shot as soon as you are eligible. For individuals aged 5 and older who are still unvaccinated, now is the time to get fully vaccinated.
Omicron (B.1.1.529) is the newest fast-spreading variant that was first detected in the United States on December 1, 2021. The week that ended January 9th, there were 10,507 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rockland County. This dramatic increase in cases includes mostly Omicron along with other previous variants such as Delta. For the latest COVID-19 data, visit the Rockland County Coronavirus Dashboard Hub page: https://rockland-covid-19-portal-rockland.hub.arcgis.com/.
Due to the high volume of cases, the Rockland County Department of Health is unable to routinely contact all positive COVID-19 cases and contacts reported to us through lab-confirmed testing. Do not report a positive home test to the health department since it cannot be verified. Those who require isolation orders or release notices should use the self-service options on our COVID-19 webpage.
“It is even more important for everyone who did not yet get their initial vaccine series to get it right away. Ensuring as many people as possible, age five and older, are fully vaccinated remains the most effective action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With this new variant circulating, I encourage everyone to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible and to get a booster dose, if eligible, for maximum protection. Anyone with questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines should talk to their doctor,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
The COVID‐19 vaccine can reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines remain safe, effective, and free. With highly contagious variants such as Omicron, breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people will occur. However, COVID-19 vaccines, especially with boosters, are effective at preventing severe or fatal COVID-19 infections.
To get a vaccine, visit the RCDOH COVID-19 webpage for more information at http://rcklnd.us/covid19. To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov, and the New York State (NYS) Am I Eligible webpage. If you need assistance, call the Rockland County COVID Call Center at 845-238-1956 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday (except holidays).
The surge in COVID-19 cases makes it clear how important it is to use all the prevention tools available such as:
- Get a COVID-19 vaccination and booster.
- Use properly fitted face masks; required in indoor public spaces.
- When gathering with people not living in your household, wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. If it is not too cold outside, open the windows and/or a door to circulate fresh air in the room.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using your elbow or a tissue.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Test yourself for COVID-19 before visiting vulnerable people.
Be prepared now for any COVID-19 positive cases or quarantine that may occur in your home. You should stock an emergency supply of food and water for your family and pets, as well as any essential medications. Preparing ahead can make things less stressful and help you get through the required COVID-19 quarantine and isolation protocols. For the latest guidance on isolation (when infected) and quarantine (when exposed), visit http://rcklnd.us/covid19.
Get tested if you have been exposed, are feeling unwell, plan to be with others outside your household, or will be visiting vulnerable loved ones. For information on test sites near you, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing.
County Health Department Allows Test-to-Stay Policy for K-12 Public & Private Schools in Rockland County
Schools Must Follow NYSDOH Guidance
NEW CITY, NY, – Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announces that K-12 schools may adopt Test-to-Stay (TTS) policies which are supported by both the CDC and the NYSDOH. Test-to-Stay will help keep students, teachers, and faculty safe, while allowing unvaccinated students who come into contact with an exposure at school but are asymptomatic and test negative over a series of days to continue to attend school.
The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is encouraging all schools in Rockland to participate in Test-to-Stay and to develop protocols and procedures for participating in Test-to-Stay. RCDOH has been providing information about Test-to-Stay to schools since late December.
“When implemented properly Test-to-Stay has been proven to reduce unnecessary quarantines and to reduce transmission rates in schools. While we recognize that these may be difficult requirements for schools to meet, we along with other counties are following the New York State requirements of Test-to-Stay. This entire Test-to-Stay strategy is based upon the results of studies undertaken in Los Angeles County, CA and Lake County, IL which were recently published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MMWR (see attached). These requirements are in place solely to protect the health and safety of students, teachers, and faculty in schools,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
In Rockland County, Test-to-Stay is defined as follows: Students who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 and who are exposed to COVID-19 in school, may attend in-person classes (instruction/academic periods but NOT extracurricular activities) if:
- The student is symptom free.
- The school has received consent for the student to undergo daily testing.
- The student tests negative when tested during the approved testing cadence timeframe.
To facilitate TTS implementation, each school or district that chooses to participate in TTS must adopt and implement a written TTS protocol, subject to RCDOH approval, that includes the following:
- Protocol for reporting all COVID-19 test results, including TTS results, to the New York State COVID-19 report card, and for ensuring the school or district remains current in its reporting of all COVID-19 test results, in addition to their other reporting obligations under New York State Public Health Law.
- Process to ensure equity (e.g., cost, transportation, etc.) so that all students are eligible for TTS.
- Process for ensuring that students under the TTS protocol correctly wear well-fitting masks in school at all times, other than when eating or drinking. When these individuals cannot be masked, they should maintain 6 feet of distance from other individuals, whenever possible.
- Designation of individual(s) who will conduct the testing and individuals who are responsible for reporting test results. TTS testing must be conducted at school, and not elsewhere. This will require schools to obtain a limited-service laboratory certificate or contract with an appropriate provider.
- Testing process and protocol for addressing results, including:
- Process for TTS testing to be conducted to ensure results are received before the school day begins. While daily testing is ideal in the situation of the current surge, it may be difficult. Schools may choose to employ a testing cadence in line with NYSDOH recommendations instead, for the days following the exposure. Please refer to the NYSDOH memo for a sample schedule. (https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/test-stay-update)
- Process for excluding and/or isolating, pursuant to school/district’s existing procedures.
- Individuals who test positive in TTS testing.
- Process for exclusion from school of students who develop symptoms during TTS period.
- Requirement that exposed students who are allowed to remain in school through TTS remain quarantined outside of school instruction/academic periods. Extra-curricular activities (sports, clubs, etc.) after school, on weekends and holidays are not permitted.
- Process and specific actions, such as contact tracing, to follow up in the event that an individual tests positive.
Each requirement noted above from the New York State Department of Health will be required universally if a district/school chooses to implement TTS. Districts/schools may NOT change any of the policies above.
Policies on Test-to-Stay may vary by district; each school district has the ability to opt out of the program. Parents should await guidance from their school district on individual district policies and when they will take effect.
“Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Health Officials have strongly encouraged schools to implement Test-to-Stay and distributed millions of testing kits directly to schools to assist with the process. Given these resources and seeing these policies being successfully implemented elsewhere, we have every confidence that Rockland schools are up to the task,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
County COVID-19 Website Updated
Health Department Provides Personalized COVID-19 Isolation and Release Letters
NEW CITY, NY, – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announced an update to the Health Department’s COVID-19 website and form system that will now allow those who test positive for COVID-19 to self-generate the Isolation Order required by many employers and schools.
“This update makes it more convenient for residents who test positive at home or via a lab test to get the paperwork they need to document these COVID-19 related absences. It will also make things easier on our Health Department staff who have been inundated with calls from those who need the Isolation Order,” said County Executive Ed Day.
Residents who have a positive test result and require email documentation of a positive test result may request a personalized Isolation Order by completing the “Self-Attestation of Positive COVID-19 Test Results” at https://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/report-a-positive-test/
Upon completion of quarantine or isolation, residents may request a personalized “Release Letter” that can be provided to a school or employer to show eligibility to return to school or work at https://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/coronavirus-covid-19/release-letter/.
Residents are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 if you have been exposed, are feeling unwell, plan to be in a group setting, or want to visit with vulnerable loved ones. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to get tested and isolate until you know your results. For residents who have taken a home test, there is no need to report the results of that test to the Health Department.
“Due to the recent surge, the Health Department will not be able to reach every COVID-19 positive resident through contact tracing. As a result, we have created several self-serve forms for residents to attest that they are following COVID-19 protocols. We encourage residents who require documentation for work or school and Federal or State leave benefits to complete the online attestation(s) if needed. If you are experiencing symptoms and need medical assistance, contact your doctor,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
Due to the fast-spreading Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, the rise in the number of people getting tested has also quickly increased. Residents looking for a test can now make an appointment for a rapid (antigen) test at the New York State run site located at the Patriot Hills Golf Club in Stony Point. This site is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM – 6 PM, appointments are strongly recommended. Testing is FREE at any New York State run test site; appointments can be made at https://www.gogettested.com/.
For information on additional test sites near you visit, https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you. If you go to a test site operated by local governments, private companies including pharmacies and medical practices or not-for-profit organizations, check with the testing site and your insurer to make sure there isn’t a fee for the test. If you are uninsured, you are advised to ask the testing site if you will be responsible for any fees associated with your test.
In addition to testing and to help lessen the spread of COVID-19, continue to follow other COVID-19 prevention measures:
- Get Vaccinated – it’s free, safe, and effective at preventing severe disease and death. Anyone age 5 and above is eligible regardless of immigration status.
- Get Boosted if eligible.
- Wear a face mask that securely covers your mouth and nose when in all indoor public places and when gathering with people who do not live in your household.
- Stay 6 feet away from others not within your household.
- Limit your gatherings to only vaccinated family and loved ones.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. If the weather permits and it’s not too cold, open the windows and door for more ventilation.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using your elbow or a tissue.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home if you are sick.
To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, visit the RCDOH COVID-19 webpage for more information at http://rcklnd.us/covid19. To find a vaccine near you, visit Vaccines.gov, and the New York State (NYS) Am I Eligible webpage. If you need assistance, call the Rockland County COVID Call Center at 845-238-1956 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday (except holidays). For COVID-19 vaccine information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html