Thursday was another day with a high number of new COVID-19 cases in Onondaga County. Fifty new cases were reported with most being attributed to community spread. The County has seen well over 150 cases just this week, and County Executive Ryan McMahon said Friday is on track to be the largest number of new positive coronavirus cases in a single day since the pandemic began. McMahon said health officials have analyzed data ahead of Halloween weekend and will be keeping a close eye on certain places.
“The data for the first time shows to glaring issues with bars and restaurants,” said McMahon. “So this weekend, we’ll warn everyone right now, we’re coming out with a very aggressive enforcement detail this weekend. And we’re going to be looking for those not following the rules.”
McMahon said those caught not following coronavirus requirements will not be issued a warning first. They’ll be fined immediately. Despite the relatively large number of cases, the county’s infection rate remains around 1%. McMahon said things look good on a macro level. But he warns that if behavior doesn’t change now, it won’t look that way in the future.
“If we can actively do these things now, we’re going to stay in this range. We’ll still be one of the best in the state. And then the state doesn’t come in to limit our economy in some of those zones like other counties. But if we don’t do anything now, we will quickly find ourselves into a zone based off of the behavior that we’re seeing.”
The designation of red, orange, and yellow zones are the state’s current response to coronavirus clusters. Each places a different level of limitations on gatherings, businesses and dining in designated zones, with red requiring the tightest restrictions.
