The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Picente reflects on one-year anniversary of coronavirus
UTICA, N.Y. » Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente took a moment to reflect on the past year since declaring a state of emergency on March 13, 2020, due to the rising COVID-19 pandemic.
“Exactly one year ago today in Oneida County and across the globe, the world as we knew it changed,” Picente said in a statement. “From parades and celebrations to closings and restrictions, our community, as all across the country, had to adjust to a virus that we knew little about at the time.
“What we did know was that it could be deadly and that there was no immediate fix. I recall thinking that we could lock some things down and in at least two months we would be back to normal, but that was not to be. The virus continued and began to affect many of our residents in the most severe way, and we knew then it was here for the long haul. We took the appropriate measures and kept everyone abreast of the issues on a daily basis.
“Fast forward through the months, and society has adjusted to the new pandemic world, Picente said, with masks, social distancing, and sanitation as the everyday normal. But now, the vaccine is here to fight against COVID, too. “It is important that all adults get the vaccine as soon as possible. I believe that at this point, the vaccine should be open to all populations, and [I] will continue to stress that to our state and federal leaders.
“Nearly 20,000 county residents were directly affected by this virus in some way, Picente said, and the county has lost over 400 lives from COVID. “In addition,” Picente added, “thousands were also placed in quarantine to prevent the spread and remain safe. Our thoughts and prayers go to all of the loved ones of lives lost and to all who had suffered the impact of this scourge.
“We do have a way to go to normalcy, but we will get there together. I am proud of everyone in our community and how we have responded in the most difficult of times. Never in my lifetime could I have imagined a virus like this that could cripple the entire world, and I know that all share in that thought. But we will get through this and be better for it. In the meantime, stay safe and practice what we know works and please get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. Together we will get to the other side.”