The Oswego County Health Department reminds residents to order their free at-home COVID-19 test kits as the number of at-home positive test results reported this week has tripled.

“Residents are now eligible to order a third round of test kits,” said Jodi Martin, director of preventive services for the Oswego County Health Department. “These at-home antigen tests are extremely useful for rapid detection of the COVID-19 virus. They can also detect if someone is still infectious. Go to www.COVID.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to order your tests today.”

The Oswego County Health Department reported that 113 additional residents tested positive for the virus from Monday, June 20 through Sunday, June 26. This includes both lab-confirmed and at-home tests. In addition, another COVID-19-related death was reported by the NYS Department of Health, bringing the total to 199.

“Every death is a sad development in our fight against COVID-19,” said Oswego County Interim Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of this neighbor.”

The following report reflects data collected from Monday, June 20 through Sunday, June 26:

• Number of lab/provider tests: 1,601
• Number of lab/provider positive cases: 82
• Percentage of lab/provider positive cases: 5.12%
• Number of at-home positive test results: 31

An additional four Oswego County residents were hospitalized due to COVID-19 between Sunday, June 19 and Saturday, June 25, according to the hospitalization report received by the Oswego County Health Department. New hospitalization numbers are not part of a running total of hospitalizations. For hospitalization details such as age groups and vaccination status, go to the Oswego County COVID-19 Dashboard at https://oswegogis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/3fd162cd12264b418dc03bdebd7f5300.

Oswego County’s COVID-19 community level remains ‘low,’ according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency recommends that people get tested if they are experiencing symptoms and stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. People may follow other COVID-19 safety precautions such as wearing a face mask and physical distancing at any time, while always practicing proper hand hygiene.

“It’s especially important, as families travel this summer, to be aware of what COVID-19 activity is like in the area where you’re visiting,” said Oswego County Associate Public Health Educator Diane Oldenburg. “Whether it’s a short daytrip or a longer vacation, knowing this will help you make smart decisions about the COVID-19 safety precautions you should take to protect yourself and your family.”

“This includes making sure that you and your family members are vaccinated and boosted as soon as you – and they – are eligible,” Oldenburg added. “The CDC now recommends everyone aged six months or older get vaccinated against COVID-19.”

The Oswego County Health Department holds vaccination clinics every Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Clinics are also held the second Wednesday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted on Wednesdays, but residents are strongly encouraged to go to health.oswegocounty.com/vaccines to make an appointment to avoid wait times.

The Oswego County Office for the Aging can help people aged 60 and older who need help navigating the internet to make appointments. Call 315-349-3484.

Vaccines are also available at local pharmacies and health care provider offices. Face masks are required at all clinics and at-home COVID-19 test kits will be distributed to those getting vaccinated at a county clinic while supplies last.

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 Friday. Call 315-598-1514 to schedule a ride in advance.

Oswego County developed a portal for residents to report positive at-home COVID-19 test results, exposure to the virus and get the necessary isolation/quarantine paperwork for schools and employers. Go to https://health.oswegocounty.com/COVID-19 and click on the appropriate link.

Test results received from doctor’s offices, pharmacies and other testing sites DO NOT need to be self-reported. However, if isolation orders are needed for school, employers or other reasons, people can request these documents using the portal’s “Report a Positive (Laboratory) Test” option. 

The health department encourages residents who test positive to immediately notify any close contacts. The close contact should then go to the State’s website at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-contact-tracing to find out if they meet the criteria for quarantine. If they do, they should report the exposure on the County Health Department’s online portal. 

Residents are urged to continue taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including:

• Get vaccinated and keep your COVID-19 vaccinations up to date.
• Stay home if you are sick and keep your children home if they are sick.
• Wear a well-fitting mask.
• Stay six feet from others.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Test to prevent virus spread to others.
• Wash your hands often.
• Follow recommendations for isolation and quarantine.

For more information, go to the Oswego County Health Department’s COVID-19 page at https://health.oswegocounty.com/COVID-19 or call its COVID-19 Hotline at 315-349-3330. Callers may need to leave a message and a staff member will return the call.

Residents should contact their medical providers directly for personal medical advice about COVID-19 and vaccinations or booster shots.

For information about emotional supports, visit the Oswego County Department of Social Services Division of Mental Hygiene at www.oswegocounty.com/mentalhygiene.

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.