OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang announced today, April 19, that 54 additional residents tested positive for COVID-19 in the last three days.

There were 19 new positive cases reported on Saturday, another 19 on Sunday, and 16 reported today. This brings the total cumulative number of positive cases since the county began monitoring for COVID-19 in March 2020 to 7,442. There are currently 205 active positive cases.

Huang continues to urge eligible residents to get vaccinated, and all residents to follow COVID-19 safety protocols. “Regardless of your vaccine status, remember the three Ws: Wear a mask; Watch your distance; and Wash your hands frequently. These are the best ways to help prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the number of positive cases.”

This report is current as of 3 p.m. April 19.

• Total # of positive cases currently active: 205

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: 191,230
• Total # of negative results: 181,242
• Total # of positive cases: 7,442
• Total # of positive cases released: 7,147
• Total deaths reported by the New York State Department of Health: 90
• Total # of people in mandatory isolation/quarantine: 495

The Oswego County Health Department is planning another first-dose vaccination clinic for early next week. It is scheduled for Monday, April 26 and the Moderna vaccine will be administered. Check the health department’s website for updated information and a link to sign up for an appointment.

Go to health.oswegocounty.com and click on the link for “Local Information About the COVID-19 Vaccination.” The Oswego County COVID-19 Hotline is open from 8:30 am. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to help people make appointments. Call 315-349-3330.

“With vaccine eligibility now open – and with the ongoing pause of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine – clinics will likely fill more quickly,” said Huang. “Still, if a clinic looks like it’s fully booked, keep checking back. Appointments may become available if other people cancel or re-schedule theirs.”

Huang also encourages people who have had their first dose to not skip their appointments for the second dose. “If you want to be fully protected, you should not skip the second dose,” he said. “To change the date of the second dose increases the risk of contracting the virus.”

He went on to explain that the health department receives second-dose vaccines based on the number of first-dose vaccines administered. “They are also scheduled to arrive for the due date of the second shot,” he said. “Logistically, it’s very difficult to give people a second shot at a later date based on the use and storage guidelines we must adhere to.”

Find more information about the three COVID-19 vaccines, click on the “Fact Sheet” link for each one at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/. 

All those attending an Oswego County Health Department vaccination clinic must have an appointment and bring proof of eligibility, such as proof of age. Other acceptable proofs include pay stubs, work ID, or a letter from health care provider. 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.

The Oswego County Office for the Aging can now help people aged 60 and over who need help navigating the internet in making appointments. Call 315-349-3484 for assistance.

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.