As the community begins the Memorial Day weekend, the percentage of new asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in Onondaga County increased again. Officials reported that 53% of new cases over the last three days are from people with no symptoms. This comes with recent implementation of universal testing in the community.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta said the rise in detection of these asymptomatic coronavirus cases emphasizes the importance of current health precautions like social distancing and wearing masks.
“Face covering is a statement of respect to others,” said Gupta. “That is so, so important that I can’t emphasize [enough]. Especially when you’re thinking of asymptomatic cases who could be around. And if both of you are wearing masks, that actually protects to some extent.”
Testing averages in Central New York remain higher than the mandated 775 per day average. The current seven day average sits just over 1200 tests per day.
With an expected drop in the number of tests conducted over the holiday weekend, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said the high average puts the region in a good position to progress through Phase One by the end of next week. McMahon is confident that the region will continue to meet the state requirements for the next phase, and hopes to get businesses guidance soon.
“So certainly as this guidance comes out, you need to go through that attestation process just like the businesses in Phase One did,” said McMahon. “So as soon as the guidance comes out, we encourage everyone to do that. Hopefully we’ll get the guidance out earlier.”
McMahon said he knows the state is working hard to release the upcoming guidance. Onondaga County reports around 550 businesses went through the re-opening process this week, and over 730 total businesses across the region.
