First, I want to thank Oswego Health, our community partners Mayor Michaels and Mayor Barlow, and all of our county health care workers, including our county Health Department, who have worked tirelessly to keep our community safe through this pandemic.

We’re here today because we’re still in a battle with COVID-19. More of our neighbors, friends and family members are getting sick every day, with some being hospitalized. This puts a tremendous strain on our primary care providers, hospital, and overall health care system.

I am happy to report that last night the County Legislature, using federal and grant dollars, approved a restructuring plan for the health department that will enhance the department staff and resources in the areas of disease monitoring and mitigation, health education and emergency planning and response.

As of Dec. 9, 2021, we have had 676 new positive cases over the past seven days. We have had 19 new hospitalizations from reported hospitals in the past seven days.

As of Dec. 9, 2021, the CDC reported the 7-day rolling percentage of positive test results: 13.09%.

This is not the highest since the pandemic started, but it is still significant.

Among the total population, 55.5% of Oswego County’s residents are fully vaccinated.

• Among age 65 and above: 7%
• Among age18 and above: 65.2%
• Among age 12 and above: 63.7%

The above fully-vaccination rates do not include booster doses.

These rates are not at the bottom of the state, but Oswego County should be able to do better.

According to the state Department of Health website, (as of this morning) there are no cases of Omicron found in Oswego County. There are three in the Central NY region.

We recognize that many of you are tired. But we need to focus our efforts on fighting this virus and not each other. We need everyone to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We’re not talking about countywide mandates; we’re just asking you to look out for each other.

Stay home if you’re sick, keep your kids home if they’re sick. Wash your hands and maintain social distance when possible. Please consider getting vaccinated if you are able.

The vaccine is widely available through health care providers, pharmacies, and the County Health Department. The County has held hundreds of vaccination clinics and continues to hold them every week.  Our Preventative Team has been vaccinating approximately 50 homebound citizens per week. For more information, go to www.oswegocounty.com or call 315-349-3330.

We all know that no vaccine is 100% effective. Some vaccinated people may still contract the virus. However, statistically, the vaccine helps prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. It’s still our best defense against the virus.

And, regardless of your vaccination status, try to wear a face mask in public spaces. Not because you’re afraid of getting sick, but to better protect your loved ones – your moms and dads, your little ones, those who need a little extra protection.

These measures are simple actions that have proven effective in the past. And they are the roadmap for a faster and more sustainable recovery for us all.

No one wants to go back to the more aggressive measures that were taken last year. No one wants to give up our right to maintain our own communities. Our small businesses can’t afford another slowdown and ensuring that our children remain safe, and their schools remain open, are important priorities for us.

For this reason, cases associated with schools are prioritized as contact tracing is done. This may mean there is a delay in reaching out to some in the community. Our health department staff and case investigators with the New York State Department of Health are working seven days a week to conduct investigations and get residents the information they need to keep our communities safe.

We need everyone’s help on this. If you come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please cooperate with investigators, and follow isolation and quarantine guidance.

Remember, we’re all in this together. Let’s all practice safer health habits and take care of each other. Working together, we can make this county safer and healthier.

Oswego County Legislature Chairman Jim Weatherup gives a COVID-19 update at a joint news conference with community health care and local leaders Friday morning, Dec. 10, in Oswego. Chairman Weatherup reported that Thursday evening the Oswego County Legislature approved a re-structuring plan for the health department that will enhance department staff and resources for disease monitoring and mitigation, health education, and emergency planning and response. Looking on are, from left, Oswego County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Christina Liepke and Michael Backus, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Oswego Health.

Christina Liepke, MD, Medical Director of the Oswego County Health Department, emphasizes the importance of wearing a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the flu, and other illnesses. Dr. Liepke and other community leaders spoke at a news conference Friday morning in Oswego. Looking on are, from left, Oswego Health Vice President of Clinical Services and Integrated Healthcare Kathryn Pagliaroli, MS, BSN, RN; Dr. Duane Tull, Chief Medical Officer for Oswego Health; Fulton Mayor Deana Michaels; Oswego County Legislature Chairman Jim Weatherup; and Michael Backus, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Oswego Health. Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow also spoke at the news conference.