More Cases of Coronavirus Here and Throughout County
On March 6, Rye residents received the first community-wide email on the coronavirus from the City of Rye. With the first case confirmed in New Rochelle, “the outbreak of Coronavirus has come home,” wrote Mayor Josh Cohn. “Your City government will work in concert with Westchester County, the New York State Department of Health and relevant federal agencies to do all we can to respond.”
By March 10, events were being postponed, and residents were urged to be diligent about washing their hands. Three days later, there were still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rye. As of March 19, the County reported there was one confirmed case in Rye, 538 in Westchester. “The good news,” wrote Mayor Cohn, “is that of those tested, only 13 percent were found to have the virus. Let’s take comfort in the fact that of all those circled for testing, a relatively small percentage had positive results.”
In his March 24 update, Cohn reported that there are now 15 confirmed cases, residing at 13 locations in Rye, and 2,894 County cases of which 42 were hospitalized and 18 in ICU.
Because the numbers are compiled by the State and held until those who have tested positive are notified, then passed on to the County, and finally the City, there is a time-lag, explained Mayor Cohn.
He encouraged residents who think they should be tested to consult their physician or the County at 888-364-3065. More information can be found at COVID19FAQ@westchestergov.com.
While there are now multiple testing sites in Westchester, including at Glen Island and in Valhalla, there are still delays in access to testing.
“Given the reporting delays and the testing delays, it remains important, if you need to call for emergency assistance and you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, that you let 911 know of your potential exposure. Please do this so that our first responders can take appropriate precautions.”
