Orange County Warns Of Potential Coronavirus Exposure

MIDDLETOWN, NY — The Orange County Health Department is advising residents tha, if they worked at or visited the Orange County Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 12 King Street in Middletown between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Jan. 1 through Jan. 8, they may have been exposed to the new coronavirus.

Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman recommends that if you think you were at the Middletown DMV during that time frame, to watch for symptoms of the coronavirus, which may include but are not 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 or vomiting or diarrhea.

Gelman said residents should consider any public site in Orange County as a potential site of COVID-19 exposure, due to a persistent increase in newly diagnosed cases throughout the county. If you become mildly ill, stay home and manage your symptoms. For residents who have severe symptoms indicative of COVID-19, contact your medical provider to discuss a plan of care.

According to Gelman, the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 continues to be adhering to proper safety measures such as wearing your mask, avoiding unnecessary contact with others and practicing basic personal hygiene. This includes washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, refraining from touching your face and avoiding unnecessary contact with others.

Should 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. These simple steps will help prevent the spread of the virus and protect you and your loved ones.

For information about COVID-19, go to the Orange County website or call the Orange County Health Department COVID-19 hotline at 845-291-2330.