Coronavirus FAQ

Dear parents and guardians:

We wanted to take this opportunity to update you as CDC is continuing to assess the coronavirus, we are aware of concerns in the community about the spread of this relatively new virus. 

Adirondack Pediatrics is closely monitoring this fluid situation and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Warren County Public Health and the New York State Education Department. We are reviewing and updating protocols as new information becomes available.

Based on recent reports, COVID-19 is present in New York state at this time. As a precaution individuals who have traveled to high risk countries are being quarantined to monitor for infection.

There are a number of steps that parents, children, and community members can take to minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health:  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Heavily soiled hands should be washed.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you or a family member begin showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, inform them that a case of COVID-19 is suspected, and follow their advice. At this time all testing is being performed based on criteria set by the Department of Health.

Families are also encouraged to follow the CDC’s information for travel, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. For more information, consider consulting these additional resources: 

• Families are also encouraged to follow the CDC’s information for travel, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. For more information, consider consulting these additional resources: 
• Coronarvirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Frequently Asked Questions – Children https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/children-faq.html
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Frequently Asked Questions – Prevention
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#prevention
   
• Travel: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html
   
• Information for parents from HealthyChildren.org on coronavirus  http://bit.ly/2PNTuwX 
• Talking to children about disasters http://bit.ly/3arJbXj
  

In addition, New York has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms.