The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Oneida County surpasses 6,000 active cases
ONEIDA COUNTY, N. Y. » As Oneida County surpasses 6,000 active COVID- 19 cases, vaccination progress is underway.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente announced on Jan. 7 that the county’s massive recruitment for skilled workers in vaccination labor ismaking strides.
Onwednesday, the board of legislators unanimously passed Picente’s request for $ 2.6 million in spending to boost the county’s ability to hire temporary employees for the vaccination cause. The county is offering around $ 22 an hour payment for those eligible. Positions available include those qualified by the state to administer injections ( not necessarily nurses) and those who can work behind the scenes in data entry and other supporting tasks.
“The biggest gamechanger in terms of a pandemic is a vaccine,” said Board Chairman Gerald Fiorini, R- 7, Rome. “While we are thrilled to have vaccinations on hand and to provide them to our residents, it will take some time to vaccinate enough people to see the full impact. We have to continue doing our part to prevent the spread.”
Already, 30 nurses have applied, Picente said, and
10 individuals have applied as support staff. Anyone interested should visit ocgov. net and click on the available job listings on the home page.
“I know that this community responds immediately, especially in crisis,” Picente commented of the turnout so far.
Additionally, Picente said he had convened with other county executive’s statewide in ameeting with state officials Thursday to show their support in rolling out the vaccine more quickly. The county executive has also issued a letter to the governor relaying his concerns and recommendations in the same regard.
Seemingly hearing officials’ requests, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that the next phase of vaccinations, those in group 1b, would be able to register for vaccination on Monday. This group includes teachers, those 75 and older, and first responders, according to reports.
This is a large group, Cuomo warned, and getting to everyone within it will take some time, likely 2- 3 months. But getting them in the system is still progress.
As of Friday, Oneida County vaccination registration is still only accepting those in group 1a, but check into ocgov. net next week for updates. Scheduling an appointment for vaccination can be made there online. Be sure to check the state’s vaccination eligibility requirements before registering.
The county opened a point of distribution site at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica on Tuesday to people in the 1a vaccination group. It is open seven days a week from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. Picente said the county expects to have distributed 1,000 of the 3,000 doses it received from the state by this weekend.
In other news, Picente said he plans to be part of another Facebook townhall next week to address questions and concerns from the community. Follow the Oneida County Facebook page for updates and to learn how to participate.
Officials reported 312 new COVID- 19 cases in Oneida County on Friday, seven of which were nursing home residents. The total active cases in the county is 6,030 as of Jan. 8.
Three new COVID- 19- related deaths were reported, making 256 total.
A total of 173 patients are hospitalized in Oneida County. Officials noted that 15 patients are hospitalized out of the county.
The county executive is still isolating in his home after testing positive for COVID- 19 earlier this week. He reports still having no symptoms.