New York State Department of Health and Jefferson Public Health Services Offering Covid-19 Testing Following Reports of Exposures Associated With Large 4th of July Public Gatherings Along the River Communities In Jefferson County

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 16, 2020) - The New York State Department of Health and Jefferson Public Health Services are investigating reports of potential COVID-19 exposures associated with large public gatherings held during the 4th of July weekend along the River Communities in Jefferson County. As part of our public health outreach, the New York State Department of Health and Jefferson Public Health Services encourage anyone who attended these types of gatherings and who did not take proper precautions such as wearing a mask or face covering or maintaining a social distance of 6 feet, to be tested.

The investigation, while in its early stages, has determined that 16 individuals who were present at these gatherings have tested positive for COVID-19. New York State DOH, working through the New York State Contact Tracing Program, has successfully reached more than 100 people who may be at risk, and are actively working to identify additional individuals who may have been exposed.

A testing site has been developed to meet the needs of River Community individuals who participated in social events over the 4th of July weekend and did not practice social distancing. Test samples will be collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Once tested you should self-quarantine until the return of test results; if positive, you will immediately be contacted by your local department of health for further instruction and follow-up.

State and County DOH have arranged for testing to be held at the Clayton Firehouse, 855 Graves St, Clayton, NY 13624 on Friday, July 17 from 11 am to 3 pm.

Out of an abundance of caution, individuals who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms will not be permitted at this testing site. Individuals who are symptomatic should contact their healthcare provider to arrange testing. Additionally, anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian present to sign consent.

All New Yorkers are reminded that emergency regulations banning large gatherings are still in effect and face coverings should be worn in public when a social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained.