Oneida County sees biggest spike in cases

UTICA, N.Y. » Oneida County has seen its biggest spike in COVID-19 cases to date; this increase is expected said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr.

As of April 8, the number of confirmed positive cases reported in the county is 129. Of that number, 21 are hospitalized—three outside the county, 18 within the county.

The number of COVID-19 related deaths remains at two. Between April 6 and 7, the number of positive cases increased by 16, which has been the largest increase in one day so far.

At a press briefing on April 7, Picente informed the public that the Oneida County Overdose Re

sponse Team has identified a spike in overdoses using the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program. In the last 14 days, there have been 20 overdose reports and two fatalities, primarily associated with heroin.

In light of COVID-19, Picente said the county has heightened efforts to monitor overdose trends and is proactively coordinating with members of the Oneida County Opioid Task Force to assess the need for and expand access to Narcan, a lifesaving overdose treatment, in the community.

Picente stated that Narcan is available at various local pharmacies throughout the county, and the public can dial 2-1-1 or text “opioid” to 898-211 to receive assistance in finding Narcan near them, along with treatment and recovery services.

Picente and Director of Public Health Phyllis Ellis noted that this overdose spike may or may not be COVID-19 related and that similar spikes have happened in

the past.

Regardless, the two wanted to emphasize that in spite of COVID-19 affairs, efforts still are being made to fight this issue and others behind the scenes. Picente and Ellis said they do not want important matters such as this swept under the rug just because the county is facing a crisis.

At a briefing on April 8, Picente shared that he attended two important virtual meetings that day to discuss COVID-19 with officials—one with the Board of Legislators, and another with elected officials across the country and President Donald Trump.

Picente shared that the Board of Legislators would be adopting numerous resolutions to keep Oneida County running, and he wanted to thank them for their support.

In regards to his meeting with Trump, Picente seemed pleased with the president’s demeanor and the points he addressed in the teleconference.

“He was very thorough in his discussion,” Picente stated.

Picente said he was thankful for the president’s time

and for the encouragement he gave to elected officials and the American people to keep pressing forward. “He reiterated that the things we are doing are working and that we should continue,” Picente said.

Updates Picente highlighted from Governor Andrew Cuomo included announcements that all New Yorkers will have the ability to vote absentee in the primaries on June 23, and that all municipalities and state buildings should fly their flags at half-staff in honor of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

According to Cuomo’s website, flags will remain lowered while New York is on PAUSE.

Updates from the county were also announced, including two new COVID-19 informational videos available on the Oneida County website. The videos can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the COVID-19 page.

Additionally, Picente noted that all golf courses should be closed at this time as they are deemed nonessential by the State. Anyone who believes an Oneida County business is in violation of State regulations

can call an anonymous tip hotline at 1-866-730-8477. Tips can be submitted online at www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com.

Something that’s been on several residents’ minds has been the issue of celebrating Easter, Passover, or other celebrations during times of COVID-19. Both Picente and Ellis shared the same sentiment; now is not the time for social gatherings.

Ellis emphasized that gathering outside is not a loophole and that all the guidelines remain in place even when there’s a holiday. Picente sympathized with those affected by the situation, lamenting that this year, there will be no family get together at his house, either.

Connecting to others online via social media, Facetime, Skype, Zoom, text, phone calls, and more continue to be encouraged, especially during the coming holidays. Several institutions of worship have already made the switch to online services.

Utilizing technology to support social distancing is something Ellis really wants to see happening in the younger population, which is already tech-savvy. In recent

data, Picente shared regarding the age-range of those testing positive for COVID-19 in Oneida County, the largest percentage, at 40%, was residents aged 18-44.

This group thinks they’re “invincible,” Ellis commented. They think things like this only happen to older folks, not to them because they’re “young,” she warned. But bad things do happen to young people, they can happen, and it’s important that they follow the guidelines to stop the spread. Ellis implores this group to stay home and use their phones. Younger people can be the biggest spreaders of COVID-19 because they move around more than others, Picente added.

More age and gender data for COVID-19 in Oneida County is available on the county’s website and will be updated regularly. Picente noted that some numbers may be behind and this is due to incoming information.

Additionally, he stated, “The curve is flattening because of social distancing. It must be kept up.” He continued, “Now is not the time to be complacent; those were the exact words that I heard

about an hour ago from the president on our call.”

In the spirit of resiliency and sacrifice to save lives, Picente urges everyone to keep practicing social distancing and to keep staying at home. This next week may the worst of this virus, Picente said, and everyone has to hold out as the community gets through this together. He reminded the public that when the peak is over, that doesn’t mean the fight stops, and that right now staying away from one another is the best way to fight COVID-19.

In the meantime, this week is national public health week, and now more than ever Picente would like to thank and focus on the efforts of healthcare workers both in Oneida County and across the nation. He continues to ask residents to leave their porch lights on in solidarity with these workers and others who are fighting through this crisis.

The Oneida County Health Department COVID-19 Hotline is 315-7985431. The Mental Health Hotline is 1-800-678-0888.

For more resources and information regarding COVID-19, please visit Oneida County’s website.