Oneida County surpasses CDC’s substantial COVID transmission level but won’t issue mandates yet

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County says it will not be issuing any communitywide mandates, including on masks, at this time even as it is now considered to have a substantial level of community transmission of COVID, per CDC guidelines.

Oneida County now has a positivity rate averaging 3.2 percent on a seven-day average, a nearly 2 percent increase in the past eight days, the county said Thursday afternoon.

CDC recommends that communities with substantial risk implement additional mitigation strategies. It also 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.

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are again increasing across the country, fueled by the delta variant, Oneida County said. The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places with low vaccination rates. The delta variant has been identified in New York and “has been found to be much more contagious than past version of the virus.” Although the rate is still low, vaccinated people can get breakthrough infections and “may be contagious.”

Oneida County’s leader said vaccination is the answer to stopping spread of the virus. “Our community has worked hard over the last 17 months to fight this virus. 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.” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. said in a release. “If you’re not already vaccinated, make an appointment today,” he urged.

Picente’s office notes that more than 62 percent of county residents who are over the age of 12 have received their first dose of a vaccine. Children below the age of 12 are not yet approved to receive a COVID vaccine.

“Vaccines have been vital in protecting people from illness and death for many years. This is no different. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated immediately,” Daniel Gilmore, director of health for the Oneida County Health Department, added.