Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie County Department of Health is adjusting its COVID contract tracing efforts as a result of the surge of positive cases in the county.
Department of Health officials say the substantial volume of COVID-19 case reports in recent days has exceeded the ECDOH and NYS contact tracing capacity to individually contact every Erie County resident with a positive COVID-19 test result.
While more accurate data will be released during the day Monday, the ECDOH Office of Epidemiology has a preliminary estimate of about 1,900-2,000 cases for January 1, a holiday, with a positivity rate of about 21%.
ECDOH is asking people with a positive COVID-19 test result, either from a lab, pharmacy, medical office or at-home test, to self-isolate and notify their household and close contacts. Anyone who has been exposed to someone who has tested positive is asked to self-quarantine, especially if not fully vaccinated, monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and seek a COVID-19 test five to seven days after exposure, or sooner if symptoms develop.
The ECDOH Office of Epidemiology will continue to notify Erie County residents of test results administered at ECDOH test sites.
ECDOH is expanding COVID-19 test capacity this week. Rapid ID Now tests will available to any symptomatic Erie County resident, and the lab-based PCR tests will be offered to Erie County residents, regardless of symptoms.
Health department officials are also urging the public to be diligent in using proper-fitting and effective masks.
A high quality, well-fitting mask that seals to the sides of your face, over your nose and under your chin can prevent viral particles from escaping, and reduce the risk of exposure to or transmission of COVID-19, department officials say.
N95, KF94 and KN95 masks are designed to fit snugly around a person's face, and have typically been used in medical and other high-risk settings. These masks are reusable, per manufacturer's instructions, until they become damaged or wet.
Layering a two-layer or three-layer cloth mask over a procedure (paper or medical) mask is recommended as a good and more widely available alternative to masks like the N95, KN95 or KF94. "Double masking" increases the mask's filtration capability and improves the seal on the face.
Mask distribution for Erie County residents will be announced this week.
