OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang announced today, April 5, that 61 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 7,117. There are currently 209 active positive cases.

Huang said that the 61 positive cases reported today are a combined total from the last three days. “On Saturday, there were 19 new cases; 23 on Sunday, and 19 today,” he said. “We are also sad to report another COVID-19-related death. This marks the 90th death of one of our neighbors. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this patient.

“This is a sad reminder that the virus is still active in our county,” he continued. “We must all do our part to protect our families and communities and reduce the number of positive cases. This is paramount to preventing future deaths. Remember the three Ws: Wear a mask; Watch your distance; and Wash your hands frequently. These things will help us get through this pandemic.”

The Oswego County Health Department is partnering with Pulaski Urgent Care to bring free COVID-19 rapid testing to various sites around the county. The next stop for the mobile unit will be at the Scriba Fire Department, 5618 NYS Rte. 104, Oswego. It runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6. Registration is required. Go to https://apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?DateID=BF020203B5C308D4E0530A6C7C162C46.

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.

This report is current as of 3 p.m. April 5.

• Total # of positive cases currently active: 209

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: 179,049
• Total # of negative results: 169,409
• Total # of positive cases: 7,117
• Total # of positive cases released: 6,818
• Total deaths reported by the New York State Department of Health: 90
• Total # of people in mandatory isolation/quarantine: 474

“People who are eligible for a vaccine should make an appointment and get one,” Huang said. “There are many agencies in the county that can administer the vaccine now. They include Oswego Hospital, Connext Care, and many local pharmacies, in addition to our health department. Keep checking back if a clinic looks like it’s fully booked. Appointments may become available if other people cancel or re-schedule theirs.”

The Oswego County Health Department is planning another vaccination clinic at G. Ray Bodley High School, 6 William Gillard Dr., Fulton. It will run from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 10 and the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered.

The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose and is only approved for those aged 18 and over. Find more information about this vaccine along with the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines by clicking on the “Fact Sheet” link for each vaccine at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/. 

Appointments are required and the link to register will be posted at 1 p.m. tomorrow, April 6. 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.

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.

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.