COVID-19 Information
- What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
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Individuals who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 need to isolate regardless of their vaccination status. Due to the high number of cases SCPHS is not able to call everyone who tests positive for COVID-19.
If you have self-tested at home, report positive test results to SCPHS.
Follow the guidance below to determine how long you will need to isolate:
While on isolation:
- Monitor yourself for symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing) seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
- Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
- Avoid contact with other members of your household and pets.
- Don't share personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils.
- Wear a well-fitting mask when you need to be around other people.
- Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask, such as restaurants and some gyms, and avoid eating around others at home and at work until 10 days after your last close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.
Learn more about what to do if you are sick and how to notify your contacts.
CLICK HERE TO PRINT PAPERWORK SHOWING THAT YOU ARE ON ISOLATION (afirmatcion de aislamiento) - this form may be used for Isolation Release or for NY Paid Family Leave COVID-19 claims as if it was an Individual Order for Isolation issued by Schenectady County Public Health Services.
Guidance for Isolation in High-Risk Congregate Settings
In certain congregate settings that have a high risk of secondary transmission and where it is not feasible to cohort people (such as correctional and detention facilities, homeless shelters, and cruise ships), the CDC recommends a 10-day isolation period for residents.
- What to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19
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Follow the guidance below to determine what you should do if you have been identified as a close contact to a COVID-19-positive individual. Close contact is defined as someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Testing is recommended for anyone who has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 5 days after the exposure.
Follow the flow chart to determine what you should do after you were exposed to COVID-19.
If you need to quarantine:- Testing is recommended for anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 five days after exposure.
- Stay home and away from other people for at least 5 days after (day 0 through day 5) your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. The date of your last known exposure is considered day 0. Wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home, if possible.
- Watch for fever (100.4F or greater), cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms for 10 days after you last close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.
- If you develop symptoms, get tested immediately (see COVID-19 Testing section) and isolate (see section above) until you receive your test results. If you test positive, follow isolation recommendations above.
- Avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, nursing homes and other high-risk settings, until after at least 10 days.
- If possible, stay away from people you live with, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, as well as others outside your home throughout the full 10 days after your last close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.
- If you are unable to wear a mask when around others, you should continue to quarantine for 10 days.
- Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask, such as restaurants and some gyms, and avoid eating around others at home and at work until a full 10 days after your last close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.
CLICK HERE TO PRINT PAPERWORK SHOWING THAT YOU ARE ON QUARANTINE (afimatcion de Cuarentena) - this form may be used for Quarantine Release or for NY Paid Family Leave COVID-19 claims as if it was an individual Order for Quarantine issued by the Schenectady County Public Health Services.
- COVID-19 Testing
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Testing is also available at:
- The old Ruby Tuesday at Crossgates Mall in Albany - Schedule an Appointment
- SUNY Albany - Schedule an Appointment
- School-Related COVID-19 Testing
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SCPHS is offering free COVID-19 testing for Schenectady County students and their families, and school staff to reduce the time students and staff are out of school.
Location: Ellis Medicine McClellan Street Health Center, 600 McClellan Street Schenectady 12304
Dates: Monday - Friday (closed County holidays)
Time: 9am to 2pm
- Guidance for School-Based Exposures
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Parents/guardians should contact the school district for their specific COVID-19 protocols.
- Food Accessibility Resource
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If you are in need of food or groceries while on Isolation or Quarantine the following offer grocery delivery:
(Delivery fees may apply)
If you receive SNAP benefits, you can order groceries from the following (Delivery fees may apply)
If you do not currently receive SNAP, but may be eligible please click the link below to contact a Nutrition Outreach and Education Coordinator at Hunger Solutions New York. Their staff can help you find the assistance you may qualify for.
Additional Resources:
The Food Pantries of the Capital District is a coalition of more that 65 food pantries from the Capital Region. They can connect you with pantries in your local community and deliver food to those who are on isolation and quarantine. For more information please click the link below or call the Referral Line at 518-458-1167 ext.108
- Additional Resources