COVID-19 in Tompkins County spiked more than 40% over the past week: How to stay safe

Tompkins County Whole Health announced Tuesday a recent spike in COVID-19 and influenza cases in the county, which have both increased by more than 40% in the past two weeks.

County health officials reported 59 new cases of COVID and 21 positive influenza cases in the past week.

The Tompkins County Health Department did not return messages for further comment Tuesday.

Testing and vaccination resources

If you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID, take a test, which can be ordered for free through USPS for home delivery.  KN95 masks for youth and adults remain available at local libraries and municipal centers, free of cost, to Tompkins County residents.

Tests and masks may also be picked up at the Tompkins County Whole Health office at 55 Brown Road in Ithaca during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you haven’t received a COVID  or influenza vaccine ahead of this year’s flu season, there’s still time. Call your primary care provider to schedule your vaccination at a pharmacy. CVS locations host vaccination clinics from time to time and offer vaccination by appointment on its website, linked here.

Both the flu vaccine and new COVID-19 vaccine are also available at Tompkins County Whole Health’s on-site immunization clinic for those without health insurance. To schedule an appointment time, call TCWH Community Health Services at 607-274-6604.

You can also use the website www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you. If you need assistance in scheduling an appointment online, dial 2-1-1 to speak with a helpline.

For additional Tompkins County COVID-19 information, visit: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/covid19

This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: tompkins covid flu report