Madison County warns of potential COVID-19 exposure at YBR Casino; concerned about uptick in cases

Members of the public who visited YBR Casino at 800 W. Genesee St. in Chittenango on Oct. 11 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. should monitor for symptoms through Oct. 25. The patron who prompted the county’s warning was wearing a mask.

Anyone who visited YBR during the identified time should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19.  Those symptoms include fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and/or difficulty breathing. 

If symptoms develop, please stay home and contact your doctor for guidance on testing. In the event of an emergency, you’re advised to call 911.

Upcoming testing clinics

Madison County partners with SUNY Upstate Medical University to hold COVID-19 diagnostic mobile testing clinics.

The next test dates are Oct. 22 in Cazenovia and Oct. 29 in Wampsville. Testing is available to anyone interested at no cost to the patient, however they are by appointment only. Anyone who would like to be tested should call 315-464-2582 select option 0 to set up an appointment.

Testing is available Oct. 22 at the Cazenovia Library in the lower back parking lot on Riverside Drive (off Mill Street) between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

It’s also available Oct. 29 at 138 North Court St. in Wampsville in the parking lot of the Madison County Complex between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Urging COVID-19 vigilance

In a separate Thursday news release, the Madison County Health Department (MCDOH) is also reiterating the importance of social distancing, wearing a facemask, and practicing good hygiene.  MCDOH has “recently” seen an uptick in cases in the county and doesn’t want those numbers increasing.

Madison County currently has 24 active cases, 11 of those are associated with the colleges but the rest are other members of the community.  The positivity rate for the month of October is currently at 0.8 percent compared to 0.4 percent for the month of September, and 0.5 percent in July and August. 

In September, Madison County had 35 positive cases overall, as of today we have already reached 29 new cases for the month of October. 

The department expects an uptick with the weather cooling down; more people back to work; and children back at school. 

“However, we have to remain vigilant,” the department said in a Thursday afternoon statement. 

It says “everyone needs to be responsible” and remember to wear a facemask when they cannot maintain a proper social distance. The department also asks that residents wash their hands “frequently.” 

In addition, keeping your interactions limited to a small group of people is “another good idea.” 

The department also advises that if you don’t feel good, you should stay home.  Even if you think it is just a cold or seasonal allergies, “please remain home,” figuring it is “better to be extra cautious at this time.” 

“This is a reminder that we all have a part to play in keeping our community safe,” Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst said.  “The best way to combat this is by continuing to be cautious.  Do not gather in large groups, wear a face covering when you are unable to maintain social distancing, and please practice good hygiene.  We must continue to be smart about the spread of this virus.” 

The department also suggests limiting travel and advises residents to not visit other states if they don’t have to travel. 

The department has been seeing cases where people come back and they were in contact with someone who had COVID-19 while they were away. 

“This is important to remember with the holidays coming up,” per the department’s statement.