Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says spread of COVID in Onondaga County is “significant”; It is recommended to use masks indoors

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Syracuse, New York – This weekend, Onondaga County was added to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of counties with “significant” transmission of the coronavirus.

The CDC recommends that people wear masks indoors in areas with “large” areas (orange areas on the map above) and “high” (red) transmission of Covid-19. This includes places with at least 50 new cases per 100,000 people in the past week.

Onondaga County had 257 new cases, or 55.81 cases per 100,000 residents (a jump of 162%) in the past week, according to the CDC. The numbers are based on a 7-day average ending on Saturday.

That rate means that the CDC recommends that all Onondaga County residents — vaccinated and unvaccinated — wear masks indoors.

Of the 460,528 residents of Onondaga County, at least 61% have been fully vaccinated, and 64% have received their first dose, according to the state health department. Among adults 18 years of age or older, 76% received at least one injection.

Three days ago, nine Downstate counties and three counties in upstate New York — Greene County, Saratoga County, and Warren County — submitted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of “large” or “high” community spread of COVID-19.

On Sunday, 23 counties across the state were on the list.

The CDC website shows Onondaga County had 257 cases, or 55.81 cases per 100,000 residents — an increase of 162.24% — in the past week.

As of Thursday, the county reported that the number of active cases of Covid-19 in the county had jumped from 40 or so to about 140.

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon has reported the following new Covid-19 cases over the past week on his Twitter account: 19 new cases on July 26, six on July 27, 30 on July 28, and 37 on July 29 , and 41 cases on July 30.

McMahon has yet to report the number of new coronavirus cases over the weekend, and was not reached for comment Sunday after the CDC added Onondaga County to its list of areas with a “large” Covid-19 community.

Last week, McMahon told reporters that Onondaga County plans to resume mass testing for Covid-19 next week in response to the rising numbers. Meanwhile, McMahon said the Syracuse area remains “in good shape” as the virus spreads to other areas of the country.

McMahon urged anyone who is late in getting a vaccine to get one, saying it is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus and to avoid children having to wear masks when they return to school.

This week, the county plans to rebuild a site to offer rapid Covid tests, which it stopped doing in late June. County officials are also preparing to deliver Covid tests to teachers and staff before school starts in a few weeks. The district is looking for a vendor to provide probation testing in schools during the school year.

Although vaccines do not provide 100 percent protection against infection, they are generally effective in preventing serious illnesses that require hospitalization or death, officials said.

Onondaga County continues to hold clinics to provide vaccines, which are also available at pharmacies and other locations.

“A vaccine is what will help,” McMahon said last week.

More about corona virus

Coronavirus in NY: cases, maps, graphs, and resources

Do I need a Covid-19 test if I’ve been vaccinated?

Countries are racing to use Covid-19 vaccines before they expire

Ryan McMahon urges use of Covid vaccines instead of masks; Onondaga County to resume rapid testing

Frustrated New York schools want Cuomo to issue rules for reopening Covid; How many children can ride the bus?

Some unions push for vaccine mandate for New York workers

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