There are now 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Onondaga County, nearly double Thurday’s count. County officials say the spike isn’t unexpected, and will continue to change by the hour as test results from earlier in the week continue to come in.
County executive Ryan McMahon says so far, there are about 2 to 4 infections per 100 tests.
POSSIBLE EXPOSURE AT VISION CENTER
Onondaga County officials say members of the public may have been exposed to an employee of a Dewitt eyewear store that has tested positive for COVID-19. All close contacts of the person have been notified. But officials say anyone who visited America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses store on Erie Boulevard Monday through Thursday of last week during the following times may have been exposed:
- Monday 3/9 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 3/10 9:30 am-6:30 pm
- Wednesday 3/11 10:30 am-7:30 pm
- Thursday 3/12 9:30 am-3:30 pm
They should be watching for symptoms such as fever, cough, or trouble breathing for 14 days. Health officials say If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing.
NEW CORONAVIRUS ASSESSMENT TOOL
Upstate Medical University has teamed up with Microsoft to introduce an online Coronavirus assessment tool to provide the public with answers to questions about possible symptoms. The “chatbot” as its called asks users about symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath, and if they’ve had contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19. The chatbot will then assess the risk, and offer suggestions for next steps such as calling a doctor or contacting the triage hotline. Hospital CEO Dr. Robert Corona says the idea is to answer questions without having to visit the doctor’s office or ER.
The assessment tool is available here.
This tool is in addition to the COVID-19 triage hotline launched March 14, which has handled more than 4,000 calls. Similar to the online assessment tool, callers are asked a series of questions to assess exposure to COVID-19 and are then guided on next steps for possible testing. The triage hotline number is 315-464-3979.
PRODUCE VENDOR AND WHOLESALER FEELS THE PINCH
A Syracuse-area produce vendor and wholesaler says the COVID-19 pandemic is presenting different challenges for his business. Norm Guinta is president of Peter Guinta and Sons produce, and says it’s a tricky time of year.
"A lot of what we call hardware items...potatoes and onions, are ending earlier than normal because of the big retail push the last 7 days. It's definitely a concern. Some new crops from Florida and Mexico, for example, really haven't started up yet."
Still, he says they’ll be at the Regional Market Saturday, one of the few essential services allowed to stay open in the state. The buying experience might be a bit different…customers aren’t allowed inside the buildings, so staff will bring selections to the door. Guinta also supplies restaurants, and says that side of the business has clearly taken a hit. He says food service items are sitting idle.
"We're trying to re-purpose everything so people have a variety to eat. Will all of that happen? Probably not. There will be some losses. But we're making the best of it."
Guinta says in this time of crisis, they see themselves no differently than a doctor or nurse.
"People have to eat. We're doing all we can to keep everybody safe and still do our job and supply food to the public. That's our main goal...not to endanger ourselves or anyone we're selling to."
The CNY Regional Market is open Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm. Officials released the following statement:
"Here at the Regional Market, we are taking things day by day and taking the situation very seriously. However, we are also very conscious of the many consumers who depend on our Market for the healthy food that their families need. For that reason, we will remain open as long as we can safely do so. At this time we have moved our Market outside into the b-aisle, c-shed, and d-shed to be completely open air. We have also moved our Market office outside and spaced out our vendors, widening walkways. Our vendors and staff have also been notified of extra safety precautions they can take, those who are ill have been instructed to stay home, and our cleaning protocols have been increased."
PARKING REPRIEVE
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the suspension of parking meter enforcement in the City of Syracuse effective immediately for 30 days through April 19, 2020. All other parking regulations, such as alternate side, handicapped, restricted zones, and no parking, remain in place and will be enforced in order to ensure public safety.
“After hearing from constituents and consulting with Common Council leadership, I concluded that in the current environment, parking meter enforcement is not a high priority,” Walsh said in a release. “Eliminating meter fees will also make it easier for employees of essential businesses to park during their shifts and for carry out food establishments to function.”
Parking in the Washington Street garage near the corner of Franklin Street in downtown Syracuse will be free of charge for City residents through April 19. Garage and surface lot fees remain in place at all other City parking facilities.
The City also announced the following modifications in parking policies:
• Boot program for unpaid parking fines will be suspended for 30 days.
• Parking ticket payment plans will receive a one month no cost extension. If a payment due is not received in the next 30 days, no penalty will be assessed. The plan will automatically be extended by one month.
