Onondaga County’s top official is relieved New York State has over 70% of people with at least one vaccine dose. County Executive Ryan McMahon said that milestone means the state is lifting what’s left of COVID regulations, some of which he argues were arbitrary at this point in the pandemic. However, McMahon views it as yet another sign that the community is making significant progress against the virus.
“It’s been a tough, long slog. And everybody put their heart and soul into this process in the community to get us to where we are today. Where we can get our lives back, and we can move forward and start to recover from the pandemic,” said McMahon.
While McMahon said reaching the 70% threshold does close another chapter of pandemic life, there is still work ahead.
“You know we’re not done. You know, we’re on the other end of the pandemic. We still got some work to do. I think the old motto ‘Always be prepared,’” said McMahon. “I think we need to continue to vaccinate. And we’ll continue to be prepared in case this virus throws us a curve ball later on in the year.”
The county will visit under vaccinated communities with their mobile vaccine clinic, and encourages community groups to reach out if they are interested in partnering to host a clinic. In addition to their community-based efforts, the county will also hold vaccination clinics at the Civic Center every Tuesday. Walk ups are welcome, but appointments are available. More information on the vaccine and vaccination locations can all be found on the county’s website.
