Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Thursday, April 23, 2020. The Franklin County EOC will distribute Press Releases on Tuesdays and Fridays each week, unless there is a need to distribute updated information.  Currently, there are several other sources of information being delivered via Social Media from the daily briefings.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Press Release delivery, please contact the EOC at 518-483-9685.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Malone. Franklin County Public Health and Franklin County Emergency Operation Center report that as of this release there are a total of 13 individuals with confirmed tests for COVID-19 in Franklin County. There are an additional 86 individuals that are “Suspect” (a confirmed primary contact with a known positive individual or an individual that is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of COVID-19). 343 test results have been returned negative and 64 cases have been resolved. There are currently 118 individuals quarantined/isolated.

From Franklin County Public Health: What is Serology (Antibody) Testing?

Serology testing checks a sample of a person’s blood to look for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. These antibodies are produced when someone has been infected, so a positive result from this test indicates that person was previously infected with the virus. CDC is working with other federal agencies to evaluate the performance of commercially manufactured serology tests that are becoming increasingly available for health care providers. This evaluation is expected to be completed in late April. We do not know yet if the antibodies that result from infection with SARS-CoV-2 can protect someone from a repeat infection with this virus or how long antibodies to the virus will protect someone. Scientists are conducting studies to answer those questions. Serology tests may not be able tell you if you are currently infected because it typically it takes 1 to 3 weeks to develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 after infection. To tell if you are currently infected, you would need a test that identifies the virus in samples from your upper respiratory system, such as a nasopharyngeal swab. Serology tests check for previous infection with the virus. They should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosing current illness.

The Franklin County Emergency Operation Center has received 18,000 cloth masks and has distributed masks to Franklin County Fire and EMS providers. Masks have also been provided to all Town Supervisors and Village Mayors in Franklin County for distribution to the public.

Franklin County COVID-19 Information Center 518-481-1111 or email eoccallcenter@franklincony.org Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

COVID-19 Medical questions Alice Hyde Medical Center Hotline – 518-481-2700 or the Adirondack Medical Center Hotline – 518-897-2462

Franklin County Office for the Aging – 518-481-1526

Franklin County Department of Social Services – 518-481-1894 or 518-481-1806

Behavioral Health Services – 518-891-5535 or 518-483-3261