P-J photo by Cameron Hurst

On Friday, more than 150 new COVID-19 cases were reported in both Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. This led to the Chautauqua County Health Department issuing this statement late that evening.

“Chautauqua County is seeing more cases of COVID-19 than ever before. People are sick, and our health care system and public health workers are overwhelmed,” the department said in a news release. “You can help by following all of the recommended safety guidelines to reduce the spread of the disease in our community. The power lies in all of our hands.

“By now, you know the importance of masking, physical distancing and hand-washing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These are simple but effective actions that help protect you and others.

“Would you know what to do if you were in close contact (within 6 feet for 10 minutes or longer) with someone who found out they have COVID-19? As the number of new cases climbs and we continue to move through the holiday season, it’s likely that more people will find themselves in this situation.

“If you are aware that you have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, take action immediately. Do not wait for a call from the Health Department. Quarantine at home, even if you do not feel sick. This means staying away from others – both outside and inside of your home, if possible – until 14 days have passed since your last contact with that person.

“The virus can take up to two weeks after you are infected to make you feel sick. We also know that you can be infected but never feel sick at all. In those cases, you could still spread the virus through close contact with others. This is why it is critical to quarantine if you:

— Have been in close contact (within 6 feet) of someone who has COVID-19 for 10 minutes or longer.

— Have cared for someone who is sick with COVID-19.

— Have had direct physical contact with someone who has COVID-19. (This includes hugging or kissing them, sharing cups or silverware, or getting their respiratory droplets on you in another way — like getting coughed on.)

— Are visiting a state with quarantine requirements.

“When you are quarantining, watch for a fever (above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, shortness of breath or other COVID-19 symptoms. If you develop symptoms, reach out to a healthcare provider who can help you determine next steps for getting testing or care.

“Stop the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask; maintain a social distance of 6 feet; wash your hands often.”

Chautauqua County had 90 new cases on Friday with Cattaraugus County noting 64 with a total of 1,342 cases and 418 active. Nineteen were hospitalized and 893 have recovered.