OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang announced today, March 29, that 58 additional residents tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total cumulative number of positive cases since the county began monitoring for COVID-19 in March 2020 to 6,953.

The 58 new positive cases reported today are a combined total from the last three days. There were 24 new cases on Saturday, 16 on Sunday, and 18 today. There are currently 208 active positive cases.

“New York State is once again opening up eligibility for residents,” said Huang. “Governor Cuomo announced this morning that – effective at 8 a.m. tomorrow – the age of eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine will be lowered to 30 years.”

He reminded residents that there are still appointments available for the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at The Tailwater Lodge on Thursday, April 1. From 1 to 6:30 p.m., the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine – which only requires one dose – will be administered to people in the Tailwater’s spacious “Barn” conference area.

Appointments are required and the link is now open. Go to https://health.oswegocounty.com/ and click on the link for “Local Information About the COVID-19 Vaccination.” The Oswego County COVID-19 Hotline is open until 4 p.m. today to help people make appointments. Call 315-349-3330.

“I urge those who are eligible for the vaccine to make an appointment and get vaccinated,” Huang continued. “The more people we can get vaccinated, the sooner we can reach herd immunity. This will make it harder for the disease to spread from person to person and will even protect those who cannot get vaccinated, like children.

“Let’s not forget that this virus is still active in our community,” he added. “We must continue to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, regardless of vaccination status. Wear a face mask, social distance, wash your hands frequently and avoid non-essential gatherings.”

This report is current as of 3 p.m. March 29.

• Total # of positive cases currently active: 208

The following numbers are cumulative since the county began monitoring COVID-19 in March 2020. They are updated weekdays to show new cases or changes. Those who have been released are not removed from the running total.

• Total # of tests conducted: 173,121
• Total # of negative results: 163,755
• Total # of positive cases: 6,953
• Total # of positive cases released: 6,656
• Total deaths reported by the New York State Department of Health: 89
• Total # of people in mandatory isolation/quarantine: 498

Vaccines are administered to people based on NYS Department of Health eligibility guidelines. In order to be eligible, residents must fall into the 1A or 1B public-facing essential worker group, have underlying health conditions, and – effective at 8 a.m. tomorrow – be age 30 or over. For details on eligibility, go to the New York State phased distribution guidelines at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/phased-distribution-vaccine#phase-1a---phase-1b

All those attending an Oswego County Health Department vaccination clinic must have an appointment and bring proof of eligibility at the time of vaccination. Acceptable proof includes pay stubs, work ID, a letter from health care provider and proof of age. Those without an appointment and proof of eligibility will not be vaccinated.

Free transportation is provided to residents to go to COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites through a partnership between Oswego County and Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. Rides are available between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call 315-598-1514 to schedule a ride in advance.

People aged 65 and over who need assistance may also call the Oswego County Office for the Aging at 315-349-3484 for help navigating the internet in making appointments.

Eligibility determination and a list of New York State vaccination sites where appointments can be scheduled are available through New York’s “Am I Eligible?” app at https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or by calling the New York State Vaccination Hotline, 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829).

Chairman Weatherup reminds residents that the virus continues to be widespread across the county and people should assume they can be exposed to COVID-19 anywhere they go in Central New York. “As restrictions continue to be lifted, I urge all of our residents to protect themselves every time they are in public. Now is not the time to let our guard down.”

Locations of recent public exposure are posted on the health department’s COVID-19 page at health.oswegocounty.com/covid-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, chills, repeated shaking with chills, gastrointestinal illness and new loss of taste or smell.

Health officials strongly urge residents to take these precautions:

• Stay home if you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick.
• Wear a face mask or covering over your nose and mouth.
• Avoid non-essential gatherings of all types.
• Keep six feet from other people.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Call your health care provider from home if you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• Do not go to the emergency department unless you are experiencing life-threatening conditions.

For more information, go to the Oswego County Health Department’s COVID-19 page at health.oswegocounty.com/covid-19 or call its COVID-19 hotline at 315-349-3330. Phone lines are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information about emotional supports, visit the Oswego County Department of Social Services Division of Mental Hygiene at www.oswegocounty.com/mentalhygiene.

New York State provides online links to report violations of health and safety restrictions and requirements for businesses, gatherings, and individuals. To file a complaint about a business, location or incident in your community, go to https://mylicense.custhelp.com/app/ask. To file a complaint against your employer or place of work, go to https://labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/coronavirus-complaints.shtm.

Under New York State Public Health Law, the Oswego County Health Department is the local public health authority regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response within the County of Oswego. The Oswego County Health Department works closely with New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19 monitoring, response and reporting.