Oneida County now considered substantial level of community transmission of COVID-19

Observer-Dispatch - 8/5/2021

Oneida County is now considered to have a substantial level of community transmission of COVID-19, county officials announced Thursday in a statement.

With a positivity rate averaging 3.2% on a 7-day average, a nearly 2% increase in the past eight days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified Oneida County of being at substantial risk, officials said.

Officials said COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are going up across the country due to the delta variant. The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places with low vaccination rates.

"Our community has worked hard over the last 17 months to fight this virus," said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. in a statement. "We have all made sacrifices to help protect ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors. We now have the key to ending this once and for all, the vaccine. We need those who are unvaccinated and have been hesitant to get their vaccine immediately. If you're not already vaccinated, make an appointment today."

Officials said the delta variant has been identified in New York state, but no known cases have been reported in Oneida County as of yet

Though the rate is low, vaccinated people still can get breakthrough infections of the delta variant, and can still be contagious, officials said.

The CDC recommends that communities with substantial risk implement additional mitigation strategies. The CDC recommends that everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals wear masks indoors while in public.

Additionally, if exposed to a COVID positive person, the CDC advises fully vaccinated people should get tested three to five days after exposure, even without symptoms.

Oneida County is not currently instituting any community-wide mandates related to CDC recommendations, officials said. The CDC recommendations remain at the federal level.

Anyone looking to schedule a vaccination appointment can do so through the county's website, ocgov.net.

Officials said 62.1% of county residents older than 12 have received their first dose of a vaccine.

"Vaccines have been vital in protecting people from illness and death for many years," said Daniel W. Gilmore, PH.D., MPH, Director of Health for Oneida County Health Department, in a statement. "This is no different. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated immediately."

Ed Harris is the Oneida County reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Ed Harris at EHarris1@gannett.com.