Onondaga County is now among the communities directly monitoring possible cases of coronavirus infection, announcing that 12 people are under quarantine. Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta calls it a “rapidly evolving situation” but said the 12 are not showing any symptoms at this time.
They’re at home being tested and monitored due to recent travel. She warns, however, the disease the virus produces is likely to make an appearance here.
“At present we do not have any present or pending cases of Covid 19, but it will happen in our community,” Gupta said. “It is a matter of time, but we don’t know when. We have no way to predict it. This is the reason we are working fiercely and have continued to prepare ourselves especially when there is no specific treatment or vaccine at this point.”
Gupta says the community response at this time is focusing on three areas. The first is active surveillance of anyone who traveled to a region with known infections. Second, working with schools, day cares and hospitals to prepare for testing and possible closures. County Executive Ryan McMahon said that they were meeting with school superintendents and members of the medical community on Wednesday for a briefing. And finally, reminding people to do everything they can to reduce possible community spread by staying home if sick, washing hands and cleaning surfaces. McMahon said he wants people to be prepared.
“If you are sick please go to your primary care provider as you normally would. For business and all organizations we encourage you to review your continuity of operations plans in the event of a community spread in the coming weeks and months.”
City and county officials are walking a fine line between raising community concerns and urging against any panic. McMahon says they’re actively reviewing whether there are positive tests or Covid 19 cases, while Mayor Ben Walsh convened a city response team meeting with police and fire departments. Gupta said for more information, visit the County website, and for tips on how to protect yourself, look at theCDC’s website.
The Response in Oneida County
In Oneida County, officials say two possible cases they were monitoring turned out to be negative, so they do not have coronavirus. Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said that these cases tested the protocols they had in place to detect and respond to any possible case of COVID-19.
“We will continue to remain on top of this situation and be prepared to swiftly respond to any future such matters,” Picente said in a press release.
Preparations in the State
Meanwhile Governor Cuomo announced at least three more positive tests in Westchester, leading to the closing of a school and a college through the weekend.
