Coronavirus Update, October 21, 2020

Nearly 100 Tompkins residents have been ordered to enter quarantine following possible contact with an individual who traveled to an out-of-state hockey tournament and later tested positive for COVID-19.

The Ithaca Voice reports that the Tompkins County Health Department was notified on October 17 of the individual testing positive for COVID-19.  That person is not presenting symptoms for the virus, and might have infected others before entering isolation. After learning of this news, the Health Department contacted The Rink in Lansing.

Tompkins Public Health Director Frank Kruppa released a statement reminding coaches, athletes and their families that New York State guidance restricts teams from attending tournaments requiring travel. The guidance, issued on July 6, 2020, indicates that travel to different regions of New York State or out of state is prohibited.  Only travel to bordering counties is allowed.

Kruppa also reminds teams and athletes that those participating in higher risk sports such as football, ice hockey, basketball and volleyball limit their participation to individual or distanced group training.

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Looking at the local COVID-19 caseload, the latest numbers, released Wednesday from the Tompkins County health department, indicate that there are 16 additional positives, and 2 new recoveries. 9 people are hospitalized with complications from the virus. According to the County Health Department, there are currently 76 active cases of COVID-19 in Tompkins.

In Schuyler County, there are 4 new cases of COVID-19 reported as of Wednesday, according to their Health Department. 5 residents are in the hospital due to symptoms of novel coronavirus. 32 active cases remain.

Contributing writing by WRFI News Volunteer Esther Racoosin