Officials Warn Of Possible Coronavirus Exposure At Restaurant

MIDDLETOWN, NY — The Orange County Health Department is alerting people about a possible exposure to the new coronavirus at a Middletown restaurant.

Health Commissioner Dr Irina Gelman said Tuesday, if anyone worked at or visited the Chili's restaurant at 33 Crystal Run Crossing in Middletown Sunday, Nov. 27, they may have been exposed to the virus.

If you were at Chili's on that day, you should watch for symptoms of the coronavirus, which may include but not be limited to fever, chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, Gelman said.

She said residents should consider any public place in Orange County as a potential site of exposure to the virus, due to a persistent increase in newly diagnosed positive cases throughout the county.

If you become mildly ill, stay home and manage your symptoms, Gelman said. For severe symptoms indicative of COVID-19-related illness, contact your medical provider to discuss a plan of care.

She advised that, if you feel ill, contact your healthcare provider first. Do not go directly to the doctor's office an emergency room or other healthcare facilities before calling.

The best way to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus continues to be by adhering to proper safety measures such as wearing a mask, avoiding unnecessary contact with others and practicing basic personal hygiene, which includes washing your hands frequently and refraining from touching your face.

The Orange County Health Department COVID-19 hotline is 845-291-2330. For information about testing for the virus, go here.

The restaurant is located outside of the portion of Middletown that was designated a yellow zone because of rising positivity rates. To see a map of the zone, go here.

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