Oneida County Now Considered Substantial Level of Community Transmission of COVID-19

With positivity rate averaging 3.2% on a 7 day average, a nearly 2% increase in the past 8 days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now identified Oneida County as being a community with a substantial risk level of transmission of COVID-19.

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are once again increasing across the country fueled by the Delta variant. The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places with low vaccination rates. The Delta variant has been identified in New York State and has been found to be much more contagious than past version of the virus. Although the rate is still low, vaccinated people can get breakthrough infections of the Delta and may be contagious.

CDC recommends that communities with substantial risk implement additional mitigation strategies. CDC recommends that everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals wear masks indoors while in public. Additionally, if exposed to a COVID positive person, CDC advises fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after exposure, even without symptoms. The County of Oneida is not instituting any communitywide mandates related to the CDC recommendations at this time. They remain federal recommendations.

All unvaccinated people should get vaccinated to not only protect yourself, but your family and loved ones. Vaccines are readily available throughout Oneida County. Until you are fully vaccinated, you should continue to wear masks and keep 6 ft. distance when in public. Appointments can be made at oneidacountyny.gov (http://oneidacountyny.gov) .

Vaccination is the answer to stopping the spread of this virus. “Our community has worked hard over the last 17 months to fight this virus. We have all made sacrifices to help protect ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors. We now have the key to ending this once and for all, the vaccine. We need those who are unvaccinated and have been hesitant to get their vaccine immediately.” stated Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. “If you’re not already vaccinated, make an appointment today”. 62.1% of this community who are over the age of 12, have received their first dose of a vaccine.

“Vaccines have been vital in protecting people from illness and death for many years. This is no different. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated immediately”, stated Daniel W. Gilmore, PH.D., MPH, Director of Health for Oneida County Health Department.