For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 30, 2020
The Cayuga County Health Department, Cayuga County Board of Health, Cayuga County Legislature, Auburn Community Hospital and local health care providers continue working toward attaining a variety of testing options for our community members. With state requirements places on health care workers, those looking to visit loved ones in nursing homes and students and school staff needing testing the need for options has never been greater.
New York State is requiring school-aged children who do not feel well and have a symptom of COVID-19 need to provide documentation of a health assessment from a healthcare provider, a negative COVID-19 test and be free from symptoms before returning to the classroom in person.
Cayuga County Health Department and Auburn Community Hospital recognize the importance and benefit of people having a personal health care provider who can provide consistency in addressing each individual’s personal health situation, ongoing health needs as well as more immediate and short term health needs.
Many of our primary health care providers are able to offer you a spectrum of health care including health care assessment, COVID-19 test, immunizations and flu shots during your visit to their office.
The Health Department and Hospital continue to encourage anyone who does not feel well to reach out to their primary health care office to best identify how to meet their health needs. People who are without a primary health care provider should look to get established with one.
We recognize there are a variety of reasons that someone may not have a health care provider, including lack of insurance or lack of providers accepting particular insurances. These factors influence a person’s choices when seeking health care. Federally Qualifying Health Care Centers are an excellent option for people with no health insurance or limited health insurance coverage. Cayuga County is fortunate to have three FQHCs available in our community: • East Hill Family Medical in Auburn • Moravia Family Health Network • Port Byron Community Health
Should you have an immediate health needs, Urgent Care Centers are an ideal option. In an emergency, call 911, and utilize your nearest hospital emergency room.
Kathleen Cuddy, MPH Public Health Director Cayuga County Health Department
Scott Berlucchi, FACHE, NHA President & CEO Auburn Community Hospital