The statement Wednesday by Christine Schuyler, director of Health and Human Services, came the same day Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed several more people were infected with the virus.

“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,” Schuyler said. “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.”

Medical staff wearing protective suits check documents as they wait for people with suspected symptoms of the new coronavirus, at a testing facility in Seoul, South Korea.

“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:

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

¯ avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;

¯ avoiding close contact with sick people;

¯ staying home when sick;

¯ covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue;

¯ cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

General questions regarding coronavirus and travel may be directed to the New York Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

STUDENTS AND STAFF TO RETURN

Cuomo announced Wednesday that the State University of New York’s and the City University of New York’s study abroad programs in China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea have been suspended effective immediately in response to concerns over coronavirus. SUNY and CUNY are making arrangements to bring back all non-essential students, faculty and staff currently studying or working in those countries and begin 14-day quarantine.

According to Jeff Woodard, director of marketing and communications at SUNY Fredonia, five students who are Italy will be returning.

“As we continue to see a rise in cases of novel coronavirus around the world, we are taking every precaution necessary and mobilizing our public health system to protect New Yorkers,” Cuomo said in a news release Tuesday. “Out of an abundance of caution, SUNY and CUNY study abroad programs in the highest impacted countries will be suspended effective immediately and all students and staff will return to New York and begin a 14-day quarantine. It’s important that facts outweigh fear, and the reality is we are getting the testing done, getting the information out and deploying healthcare resources to treat people who need it, so I am reminding New Yorkers that there is no reason for undue anxiety and the general risk remains low in New York.”

For SUNY and CUNY students in impacted countries who have yet to return to the U.S., SUNY is currently arranging chartered flights from South Korea, Italy and Japan to New York Stewart International Airport in the coming days. Upon arrival and in accordance with DOH guidelines, local and state health representatives will screen passengers and SUNY will arrange transportation to designated SUNY campus dormitories to begin 14-day quarantines.

SUNY and CUNY will then work closely with campuses, the DOH, and local health departments to provide medical monitoring, remote course study, and various resources to help individuals during the quarantine period.

Woodard did not say where the Fredonia students will be staying during their quarantine.