Monroe County has launched a new tool in the fight against COVID-19 in an effort to safely reopen our community.

Monroe County leaders are asking residents along with those in the 12-county Finger Lakes region to take a daily survey of their health, even if they're feeling well.

"It's going to require us to work with all our community partners, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations and our government officials. It's going to take all of us working together to reach as many people in this community as we can," Monroe County Executive Adam Bello (D) said.

Survey questions will include whether they have a fever, a cough, or chills or other COVID-19 symptoms, as well as basic demographic information.

It's been tested in other communities in the country to help identify trends early.

"We're looking for patterns, we're looking for trends, we're looking for things as they emerge. The whole idea here is to prevent and predict," said Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza.

Data collected by ROC COVID will also increase understanding of the virus, measure efforts to slow its progression, and help determine where to focus testing or adjust stay-at-home and physical distancing requirements.

"I think this is something we're making available not just to help the community but to help all of our neighbors to check in with wellness," said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health.

"We have too much on this COVID-19 pandemic to quit right now. I think we've got to work together every corner of our community to make this useful in the weeks and months to come," said Dr. Mendoza.

You can sign up for the survey here.