The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Picente: Businesses need to be responsible
UTICA, N.Y. » Having yet reached the peak of COVID-19 infections, Oneida County will be cracking down on social-distancing violators to reduce the spread.
As of April 6, the total number of confirmed positive cases reported in Oneida County reached 105. Of that number, 19 cases have been resolved, meaning they have met the necessary health criteria to be deemed well and able to leave quarantine.
There are 15 total cases hospitalized—14 in Oneida County, one admitted outside the county.
The number of COVID-19 related deaths reported remains at two.
COVID-19 data is available on the Oneida County website and is updated daily.
At a press briefing on April 6, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. announced that in coordination with the Oneida County Sheriff and District Attorney, a task force has been formed to enforce businesses to follow sociald istancing protocols.
Picente noted that reports have come in about businesses who are ignoring social distancing and gathering guidelines. Specifically, Picente noted business from New York Mills, New Hartford, and Trenton that are already suspected offenders. Picente has given several informal public warnings to both residents and businesses to discourage behavior that increases the risk of spreading COVID-19.
In the middle of a pandemic and amid strict executive orders from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to protect public health, Picente said he’d rather not have to take action to enforce business to stay in line. Unfortunately, he said, he has been left no choice.
Beginning immediately, essential businesses that are open and are suspected to be in violation of practicing or encouraging social gathering will first be investigated by the Sheriff’s Department, and then, if necessary, issued a formal warning.
If that isn’t enough to curb the business’s behavior, further action will be taken. Picente said the next offense after a warning will result in a $1,000 fine and possible revocation of health permit and liquor license for bars/ restaurants.
“We don’t want to have to do this,” Picente stated. “We want people to follow the guidelines. We want people to be smart. We want businesses to be responsible.”
Picente said the fact that it has come to this point is “disturbing to everyone involved.”
Residents are reminded to pick up their take-out orders and immediately leave the business they’ve purchased from. No congregating within or around the establishment is permitted.
As the county begins to crack down, Picente addressed a new safety protocol effective immediately in county office buildings. Anyone who needs to enter a county office building must be wearing a protective face mask covering their mouth and nose. If an individual trying to enter a county office building doesn’t have a mask, one will be provided to them.
It is important to note that surgical masks and N95 masks continue to be reserved for healthcare personnel at this time and should not be purchased if alternatives are available.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has instructions online on how to make your own face mask from materials found at home such as bandannas, rubber bands, and old T-shirts. No sewing is required.
In other news from Cuomo, Picente informed residents that schools and nonessential businesses are to remain closed until April 29. According to Cuomo’s website, this date could be again extended after further evaluation.
Per the CDC’S recommendation reported previously, cloth masks should continue to be worn by individuals when they are forced to be in close proximity to other people. Picente shared that he himself has a face mask that he will use on the seldom occasion he needs to visit a grocery store or other public area. More information about cloth masks can be found on the CDC’S website.
Additionally, Picente said visiting the grocery store or other high-traffic areas should not be a family occasion. Whenever possible, a single individual, not a group, should be going out to run essential errands and visit public spaces.
Oneida County Director of Public Health Phyllis Ellis shared some information in regards to a rewarding effect social distancing is possibly having on the healthcare system besides protecting others from COVID-19. Ellis reported a notable decrease in NON-COVID-19 related 911 calls in the area, which may be attributed to residents’ efforts to limit their movements and stay home.
Ellis noted that some providers are offering virtual healthcare visits and giving patients care over the phone or through some other means. Because of this, those who may have otherwise visited an emergency department or other healthcare provider for non-emergent care, are staying home.
Along with this, Ellis wants to remind people to call their care provider first before seeking non-emergency treatment, whether it’s COVID-19 related or not. Limiting everyone’s movements as much as possible is crucial to stopping the spread of the disease, she said.
Those in an emergency situation are still encouraged to call 911.
Another possible positive effect of social distancing that may be occurring is fewer motor vehicle accidents due to reduced traffic. This trend has been seen in other areas of the country.
The potential benefits of social distancing don’t spread equally to all areas, and unfortunately, may have the opposite effect on some. With schools closed, psychical and sexual child abuse reports may decrease due to a child no longer being in frequent contact with a mandated reporter or school counselor.
Picente addressed the burden that a lack of school resources may be having on children in abusive situations, and encourages neighbors, friends, families, and others to make a report if they suspect abuse is occurring.
The number for the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center is 315-732-3990. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services also has a confidential hotline to report child abuse or maltreatment at 1-800342-3720.
For more Oneida COVID-19 information and resources regarding mental health, business, public health, procedures, and more, visit the County’s website.
The Oneida County Health Department COVID-19 hotline is 315-798-5431.
Picente asks that everyone continue to leave their porch light on to show community support for healthcare workers and those who need it most during this crisis.