MAYVILLE — Officials with the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement Wednesday reinforcing that the risk for infection by COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is currently low in Chautauqua County and in New York state, despite the confirmation of three cases in the New York City area.

“Our department is working closely with the New York State Department of Health to monitor local conditions, and educate and restrict movements of persons who have traveled to affected countries,” said Christine Schuyler, director of Health and Human Services. “The goal is to slow the spread of this virus.

Schuyler said based on travel history, some local residents will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time they left an area with “widespread or ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice).” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated China, Iran, Italy and South Korea with a Level 3 Travel Health Notice.

“Chautauqua County has an existing Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan,” Schuyler said. “In conjunction with NYSDOH guidance, we are working diligently with our partners, including emergency services, law enforcement, health care systems, and schools, to now include an annex on COVID-19 to respond to any suspected or confirmed cases, as well as any asymptomatic person, with potential COVID-19 exposure that could affect Chautauqua County.”

“I remind everyone to use universal precautions when it comes to preventing disease,” said PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County executive.

Wendel urged residents to go about their daily lives, stay calm and take routine precautions to prevent respiratory diseases, including:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer.

• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

•avoid close contact with sick people.

• stay home when you are sick.

• cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

Masks are not recommended for healthy individuals. Supplies are limited and should be reserved for people who have compromised immune systems, and for ill persons to prevent them from spreading the virus by cough or sneeze.

Those who feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, and have traveled to an affected area listed on the CDC website (currently China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea) or were in close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the 14 days before feeling sick, are asked to seek medical care.

“Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms,” the county said.