Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh joined Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon at his briefing Wednesday in an effort to encourage 2020 Census participation. Walsh said one way anyone can help in the midst of the outbreak is by filling out their census, and helping the community get a complete count.
"So many of the resources that we're turning to now to help people, whether its feeding our young people, helping our homeless population, so much of that comes from the federal government," said Walsh. "And the way in which the federal government determines how much of its resources is allocated is based on population."
Onondaga County reported 28 new cases today for 277 total positive cases. The number of people in critical condition rose considerably from yesterday. Fourteen people are in the ICU, and 27 total people are in the hospital. McMahon says the community has been preparing for this, but experts are noticing a trend among the newer COVID-19 cases in the county.
"Many of these new cases, as the Health Department has started their investigation, they're seeing some trends," said McMahon. "These are more, not 20 or 30 people hanging out, but maybe 5 to 10 people in a gathering. And that's really something that needs to be take seriously."
McMahon said people need to stay home to flatten the curve. Resources remain available for those without health insurance, seniors, and healthcare workers. A list of contact information for these is at the Onondaga County Health Department website.
