COVID-19 Statistics Update, December 1, 2020

OSWEGO COUNTY – According to the Oswego County Health Department, as of 3 p.m., there have been 63 additional cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) since yesterday.

Today there are currently 442 active cases in Oswego County.

The seven-day rolling average of positive cases in the county is 5.7%. Last week’s average was 3.7%.

SUNY Oswego reported no new cases since yesterday.

Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup posted his weekly COVID-19 briefing today. In today’s video he discussed the health care system and misconceptions on social media.

“Although we have been preparing for this surge for months, it’s having a staggering effect on our public health system,” Weatherup said. “Unfortunately, as the number of cases increase, the reality is that we will see increased hospitalizations and increased number of deaths attributed to COVID. We remain in close contact with Oswego Health and other providers to manage the demand on our resources and health care system.”

He also wanted to address misconceptions circulating on social media. Weatherup said from time to time there are discrepancies between the number of cases and deaths reported by the county and the state health departments, which he attributed to delays of information reported to them by the state and people have been hospitalized in other counties, or other similar situations.

“We will always do what is necessary to protect the privacy of our residents while sharing with you the relevant data you need to make informed decisions about your personal safety,” Weatherup said.

He made it a point that the county does not report a COVID-19 related death until they have received a medical examiner’s death certificate.

He also said that a factor to the recent spread of the virus is the failure of people to properly isolate or quarantine. He said if you or your child has been placed in isolation or quarantine, it is important to follow the rules and guidelines, and if you have been tested for the virus and are waiting for results, you should remain in quarantine.

“The point is to keep the virus from spreading to others, and this includes people in your own household,” Weatherup said.

Diane Oldenburg, senior health educator for the health department, said being in isolation or quarantine are orders enforced by public health law. She said those placed under quarantine need to stay home for 14 days from the last time they had contact with someone who tested positive. If they live with someone who does have the virus and cannot avoid contact, they will need to quarantine for 14 days after the infected person meets the criteria to end home isolation. During this time, watch for symptoms.

She also encouraged residents to download the state’s new app – COVID Alert NY. For information on the contact tracing app, see here.

Today’s statistics are below:

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