The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Oneida County head talks economic impact of pandemic
UTICA, N.Y. » Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente addressed economic effects of COVID-19 in Oneida County as of late, among other factors.
A retailer located in the Sangertown Square Mall, Jcpenny, announced its closing. This business has been present in the county for more than 40 years, Picente stated, and its closing is a reminder that though parts of the county are reopening, many are
still experiencing the lasting effects of this virus economically, and detrimentally so.
Another Jcpenny location in Rome is expected to close as well, according to reports.
In addition, comparing May of 2020 to May of 2019, Picente said county sales tax revenue dropped 33%. Further, unemployment was 15% in April 2020 compared to nearly 4% the same time last year, Picente reported.
To help kick start the economy in summer and get county youth involved,
Picente stated the county has requested funds from the state for Summer Youth Employment Programs be released.
Six new COVID-19 related deaths were reported Wednesday, called the county’s “deadliest day” by the county executive.
Of 58 COVID-19 related deaths reported in the county so far, 44 were nursing home related.
Twelve of the 27 new positive cases reported Friday were also nursing home related, as were many of the reported hospitalizations — 42 of the 54 hospitalizations are nursing home residents.
Picente warned that though the elderly are the ones greatly targeted by the virus right now, that does not mean that it is meaningless or that precaution can go out the window.
“Those are our people,” Picente stated. “Our parents, grandparents, our aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters.”
Oneida County Public Health Director Phyllis Ellis added her own precaution regarding the reopening of outside dining and further reopening of the county moving forward.
“Don’t lose track” she warned, of what this virus can and has done. She urges residents to heed with caution and stay smart about public situations and mask usage.
In addition, Ellis suggests parents and guardians remind children of the importance of keeping their distance from others and washing their hands. Being out and about in the nice weather may have children excited to play, but safety shouldn’t be set aside while having fun, she said.
Stepping outside of COVID-19 related matters, Picente touched briefly on Oneida County government and the recent Black Lives Matter and Police Brutality protests occurring throughout the nation.
The protests in Oneida County have been peaceful, he said proudly, and the connection between the sheriff’s office and the community is great.
“Communication is key,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of communication between residents and officials that are there to serve them.
The county has nearly 50 languages spoken within it, he stated, dubbing it a
“melting pot.”
Following the idea of communication, Picente said that Sheriff Robert Maciol is “probably one of the most accessible Sheriff’s I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, or around,” and that sentiment goes for other law enforcement in the area, he stated.
Anyone who’d like to contact the Sheriff’s Department is welcome to do so, he stated, and should give the county a call.
Additionally, Picente said that the county regularly reflects on their actions and ways they can do better, though no recent changes have been announced in County Government or the Sheriff’s Department as of late.
Picente warned that though the elderly are the ones greatly targeted by the virus right now, that does not mean that it is meaningless or that precaution can go out the window.