June 27, 2022
The Oswego County Health Department is reminding residents to order their free COVID-19 home test kits as the number of positive home test results reported this week has tripled.
“Residents are now eligible to order a third set of test kits,” said Jodi Martin, director of preventive services for the Oswego County Health Department. “These home antigen tests are extremely useful for rapid detection of the COVID-19 virus. They can also detect if someone is still contagious. 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 home-based testing. Additionally, another death related to COVID-19 has been reported by the New York State Department of Health, bringing the total to 199.
“Each death is a sad development in our fight against COVID-19,” said Vera Dunsmoor, acting director of public health for Oswego County. “Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of this neighbour.”
The following report reflects data collected from Monday, June 20 through Sunday, June 26:
- Number of laboratory/supplier tests: 1,601
- Number of laboratory/supplier positive cases: 82
- Percentage of laboratory/vendor positive cases: 5.12%
- Number of positive home test results: 31
Four other Oswego County residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 between Sunday, June 19 and Saturday, June 25, according to the hospitalization report received by the Oswego County Health Department. The new hospitalization counts are not part of a running total of hospitalizations. For hospitalization details such as age groups and vaccination status, access 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 people get tested if they have symptoms and stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. People can follow other COVID-19 safety precautions such as wearing a face mask and physical distancing at all times, while still practicing good hand hygiene.
“It’s especially important as families travel this summer to know what COVID-19 activity looks like in the area you’re traveling to,” said Diane Oldenburg, associate public health educator for Oswego County. “Whether it’s a short day trip or a longer vacation, knowing this will help you make informed decisions about the COVID-19 safety precautions you need to take to protect you and your family.”
“That includes making sure you and your family members are vaccinated and boosted as soon as you — and they — are eligible,” Oldenburg added. “The CDC now recommends anyone six months of age or older get the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The Oswego County Health Department holds immunization clinics every Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment only. Clinics are also held the second Wednesday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-in Wednesdays are accepted, but residents are strongly encouraged to come to health.oswegocounty.com/vaccines make an appointment to avoid waiting times.
The Oswego County Office for Seniors can help seniors 60 and older who need help navigating the internet to book an appointment. Call 315-349-3484.
Vaccines are also available at local pharmacies and health care provider offices. Face masks are required at all clinics and home COVID-19 test kits will be distributed to those who get vaccinated at a county clinic while supplies last.
Free transportation is provided for residents to travel 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 see you on Friday. Call 315-598-1514 to plan a ride in advance.
Oswego County has developed a portal for residents to report positive COVID-19 home test results, exposure to the virus, and obtain necessary isolation/quarantine documents for schools and employers. Go to https://health.oswegocounty.com/COVID-19 and click on the appropriate link.
Test results received from doctors’ 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 “Report a Positive (Lab) Test” option in the portal.
The health department encourages residents who test positive to notify any close contacts immediately. The close contact should then go to the State website at the address https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-contact-tracing to find out if they meet the quarantine criteria. If they do, they should report the exposure on the county health department’s online portal.
Residents are asked to continue to take 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 properly fitted mask.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
- Test to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- Wash your hands often.
- Follow isolation and quarantine recommendations.
For more information, visit 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 on COVID-19 and vaccinations or boosters.
For more information on emotional supports, visit the Mental Hygiene Division of the Oswego County Department of Social Services at www.oswegocounty.com/mentalhygiene.
Under New York State Public Health Law, the Oswego County Health Department is the local public health authority for the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the county of Oswego. The Oswego County Health Department is working closely with the New York State Department of Health regarding COVID-19 surveillance, response, and reporting.
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