OSWEGO, NY – Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup is urging residents to take every necessary precaution to avoid public places and groups of people as much as possible during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
He said this afternoon, March 26, that the County Health Department has been notified that the number of positive cases of coronavirus in Oswego County has risen to eight. Where appropriate, other family members and contacts have also been placed in mandatory quarantine or mandatory isolation. All patients are recovering at home.
The patients include a child under age ten; and adults between the ages of 20 and 75. None of the cases appear to be related.
Jiancheng Huang, Oswego County Public Health Director, urges residents of all ages throughout Oswego County to diligently practice frequent hand-washing and social distancing to prevent the virus from continuing to spread.
“Anyone can be exposed to the COVID-19 virus at some point if they’re not staying home and not following the protective guidelines recommended by the health department,” said Legislature Chairman Weatherup. “No one in any area is immune from this virus. It knows no boundaries. That’s why we closed the schools, that’s why non-essential services have been closed, and that’s why the Governor is issuing Executive Orders. You should not be out in public unless the trip is necessary. We encourage people to enjoy the outdoors, but keep at least six feet away from other people, don’t go out in groups, and make sure your kids are following these precautions. This isn’t the time for play-dates and visits with grandparents.”
As of 4:30 p.m. today, the health department reported 228 people have been tested for COVID-19; 8 positive cases; 137 negative results; 79 pending results; 82 people in precautionary quarantine, and 30 in mandatory isolation or quarantine.
Legislature Chairman Weatherup said these numbers fluctuate frequently, and as the number of people being tested increases, the number of people monitored is also increasing.
“I want to reinforce that the County Health Department is following the proper medical procedures to isolate, monitor and assist infected individuals,” said Legislature Chairman Weatherup. “The health department works closely with patients to identify and notify those who have been in contact with a patient who has tested positive for COVID-19, to make sure they are quarantined, and are tested or treated if needed.”
The Health Department follows the New York State Department of Health guidelines for COVID-19 testing. Anyone with questions should contact their health care provider or the health department’s COVID-19 hotline at 315-349-3330.
Oswego County posts informational videos at 4:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays addressing various COVID-19 topics. The videos are available on the county’s COVID-19 YouTube playlist, and are also linked to the COVID-19 webpage at health.oswegocounty.com/covid-19.
For more information about coronavirus, visit the Health Department’s webpage or call the Oswego County Health Department COVID-19 hotline at 315-349-3330 or the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Residents can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
People are urged to:
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Stay home as much as possible.
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Avoid non-essential gatherings of all types and sizes.
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Keep six feet from other people.
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Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Get a flu shot.
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Stay home if you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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Call your healthcare provider from home if you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath.
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Do not go to urgent care or an emergency department unless you are experiencing life-threatening conditions.