Oneida County advances to Phase 2 of reopening plan
Some sectors allowed to open for the first time since closure
By Eileen Persike
Editor
Oneida County has met the criteria to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the Onward Oneida County COVID-19 reopening plan, according to county health officer Linda Conlon.
“Oneida County has made progress in limiting the impact of COVID-19, but we have not yet reached our new normal,” Conlon stated in a release. “We will continue to focus on the importance of continuation of businesses and activities for all sectors of our community.”
Effective 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, new guidance will take effect that will allow many sectors to open with recommended capacity limits of 50%, utilizing physical distancing and other best practices. The county’s reopening toolkit explains the purpose of the phases is to “outline a path to reopening the economy while mitigating the risk of resurgence in COVID-19 illnesses and protecting vulnerable populations.”
Metrics used to move from one phase to another include a downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses and COVID-like symptoms reported within a 14-day period; availability of PPE, disease control measures, ability of area hospitals to treat patients without crisis care and testing measures.
Onward Oneida County provides Phase 2 guidance for mass gatherings, increasing from 10 to 50 the maximum number of people at public outdoor gatherings and from 10 to 50 or 50% capacity for indoor public and religious gatherings. Outdoor entertainment, festivals, carnivals, fairs, concerts and parades are allowed also with a 50 person maximum. All suggest physical distancing and following best practices.
The disease, Conlon noted, continues to spread across the country.
“We will need everyone to do their part and cooperate to slow the spread of COVID-19. We would like to reiterate that COVID-19 did not disappear when the state supreme court ruling eliminated Safer at Home. The Oneida County Health Department is committed to moving us forward with your best interests and safety at mind and heart,” Conlon stated.
Allowed to open
- 50% capacity: Theaters, amusement parks, arcades, bowling alleys and related establishments
- 50% capacity: Swimming pools and water attractions, all with physical distancing and best practices
- All with physical distancing and best practices
Increased capacity limits
- 50 person maximum: Recreational activities such as tennis, pickleball, BMX, disc golf
- 25 person maximum: Outdoor playground equipment
- 50% capacity: Gyms and fitness facilities
- 50 person maximum: Farmer’s markets, outdoor educational programming and other small-scale community celebrations or gatherings
- All with physical distancing and best practices.
Public facilities:
- 50% capacity: Libraries, visitor centers, museums, other facilities that accommodate public traffic
- Physical distancing and best practices.
Retailers that service multiple customers
- Stores will less than 50,000 square feet of customer floor space may increase the number of people, including staff, from 25% of occupancy to 50% of occupancy
- Stores with more than 50,000 square feet may increase the number of people from four per 1,000 feet to eight per 1,000 feet
- All with physical distancing and best practices.
See the entire chart here.
As a reminder, OCHD director Linda Conlon said people should continue to:
- Frequently and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when sick
- Practice physical/social distancing
- Avoid large gatherings and crowds
- Utilize cloth face coverings when physical/social distancing is difficult to do
People with confirmed infections have a range of symptoms, from little to no symptoms to people being severely sick and dying.
Symptoms may include: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, fatigue, body or muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of smell, loss of taste.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact your medical provider to be tested.
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