Potential COVID-19 Exposures at Local Churches

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that individuals who attended gatherings at three local churches have tested positive for COVID-19. The potential exposure occurred at the following gatherings:

Blessed Virgin Mary Church at Our Lady of Peace Church, 203 Halcomb St., Syracuse, NY 13219
Sunday, September 6, 10:00 am-11:00 am service

Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, 515 Oakwood Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205
Monday, August 31, 11:00 am-2:00 pm gathering

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 927 Park Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204
Saturday, August 29, 9:15 am-10:45 am gathering

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Members of the public who attended the gatherings listed may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of the service. If symptoms do develop, stay home, and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by calling their healthcare provider or visiting the drive-thru clinic at Syracuse Community Health Center.

With more faith communities reopening for in-person services and gatherings, it is important that leadership stays up to date with all guidance to reduce the risk of exposures to COVID-19. It is critical that congregants are asked to stay home if they are sick. Attendees of services must be required to wear face coverings at all times and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between individuals (unless members of the same household). It is recommended that all services have a sign-in sheet for attendees to provide contact information including name, address, and phone number for the purpose of notification and contact tracing if there is a potential exposure of COVID -19. In addition, faith communities should educate congregants about the steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home.

It is crucial that residents be diligent and continue to do their part to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national updates about COVID-19.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at a Local Business

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that an employee at the LakeHouse Pub, 6 West Genesee Street in Skaneateles has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who visited the pub during the time listed should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after they visited the store.

  • Thursday, August 20 from 11am-5pm

The employee was wearing a face mask while working. Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individual and notifying them. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by visiting one of the clinics listed at covid19.ongov.net/.

Businesses and employers can prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace. All employers should implement a plan that identifies and controls all areas and job tasks with potential exposures to COVID-19, conducting daily symptom and temperature screening of employees before they enter the facility, requiring face masks and frequent hand washing, ensuring social distancing, telling sick employees to stay home, and educating employees about steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home.

Some people who are positive for COVID-19 do not have symptoms, so it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from others and wear a face covering/mask when in public. Continue to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also, you can regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national news about COVID-19.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Church and Business

The Onondaga County Health Department received confirmation on August 21, 2020 that an attendee at a local church and an employee at a local pub have tested positive for COVID-19. The potential exposures occurred at the following:

Slavic Full Gospel Church, 3528 East Genesee Street, Syracuse
Sunday, August 9, 9:00 am service and luncheon following

Saltine Warrior Sports Pub, 214 West Water Street, Syracuse
Friday, August 14, 9:30 pm to 2:00 am
Saturday, August 15, 9:30 pm to 2:00 am

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Members of the public who were at the locations during the timeframes listed may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. If symptoms do develop, stay home, and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by calling their healthcare provider or visiting the drive-thru clinic at Syracuse Community Health Center.

With more faith communities reopening for in-person services, it is important that leadership stays up to date with all guidance to reduce the risk of exposures to COVID-19. It is critical that congregants are asked to stay home if they are sick. Attendees of services must be required to wear face coverings except when seated and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between individuals (unless members of the same household). It is recommended that masks are worn at all times and that all services have a sign-in sheet for attendees to provide contact information including name, address, and phone number for the purpose of notification and contact tracing if there is a potential exposure of COVID-19. In addition, faith communities should educate congregants about the steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home.

At businesses and other workplaces, employers must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All employers should implement a plan that identifies and controls all areas and job tasks with potential exposures to COVID-19, conduct daily symptom and temperature screening of employees before they enter the facility, require face masks and frequent hand washing, ensure social distancing, tell employees to stay home when sick, and educate their staff about steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home.

It is crucial that all members of the community be diligent and continue to do their part to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national updates about COVID-19.

Potential Exposure to Hepatitis A Virus in a Local Restaurant

The Onondaga County Health Department (OCHD) has confirmed a new case of hepatitis A virus infection in a local restaurant worker. OCHD was notified on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 that an employee who handles food at PF Chang’s at Destiny USA was diagnosed with the hepatitis A virus. An investigation was immediately initiated.

Anyone who consumed food or drinks from the PF Chang’s restaurant at Destiny USA during the timeframe of Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2020 was potentially exposed to the hepatitis A virus. These individuals should monitor themselves and their families for symptoms for 50 days after exposure. Symptoms may include: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, or jaundice. If symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider and be sure to tell them that you may have been exposed to hepatitis A. Those who have been fully vaccinated against hepatitis A are protected.

In cases where individuals are within a 14-day window since exposure, a hepatitis A vaccine can help prevent illness. Although it is past 14 days from this potential exposure, OCHD continues to encourage hepatitis A vaccination for the general public to protect against contracting the illness from any source of exposure.  Hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart. Speak with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.

The management and staff at the restaurant are complying with all recommendations from the state and local health departments. There is no longer a risk to eating at the PF Chang’s restaurant related to this case.

For more information:
•  OCHD: http://www.ongov.net/health/hepatitisA.html
•  New York State Department of Health: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/hepatitis/
•  CDC:  cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.html

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Churches

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that individuals who attended services at four local churches have tested positive for COVID-19. The potential exposures occurred at the following church services:

First Ukrainian Pentecostal Church, 3875 Warners Road, Syracuse
Sunday, August 2, 9:00 am service and 12:00 noon service
The individual attending service was not wearing a mask

St. Patrick’s Church, 216 North Lowell Avenue, Syracuse
Saturday, August 8, 4:00 pm service
The individual attending service was wearing a mask [CORRECTED]

Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 2656 Warner Road, Warners
Sunday, August 9, 9:00 am service
The individual attending service was not wearing a mask

Herald of Joy Evangelical Church, 3994 Split Rock Road, Camillus
Sunday, August 9, 10:00 am service
The individual attending service was wearing a mask

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Members of the public who attended the services listed may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from the date of the service. If symptoms do develop, stay home, and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by calling their healthcare provider or visiting the drive-thru clinic at Syracuse Community Health Center.

With more faith communities reopening for in-person services, it is important that leadership stays up to date with all guidance to reduce the risk of exposures to COVID-19. It is critical that congregants are asked to stay home if they are sick. Attendees of services must be required to wear face coverings at all times and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between individuals (unless members of the same household). It is recommended that all services have a sign-in sheet for attendees to provide contact information including name, address, and phone number for the purpose of notification and contact tracing if there is a potential exposure of COVID -19. In addition, faith communities should educate congregants about the steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home.

It is crucial that residents be diligent and continue to do their part to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national updates about COVID-19.

Spraying of the Cicero Swamp Scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Due to the recent findings of EEE virus in mosquitoes in the Cicero Swamp area, aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and the immediate surrounding areas will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 after 6:00 pm, weather permitting. If weather or wind conditions are unfavorable on Wednesday, the spraying will be conducted on the next appropriate day. The actual date will be announced to the public through local news, social media, and other communication channels, and residents in the spray areas will also be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system.

The designated spray areas are generally bounded on the north by Route 31, on the west by Northern Boulevard, on the south by Taft Road, and on the east by the county line (Chittenango Creek). Roads included in this area are: all or parts of Route 298, Bull Street, Eastwood Road, Island Road, Cicero Center Road, Fergerson Road, Ferstler Road, and Oxbow Road. To view a map of the spraying area, visit: www.ongov.net/health/documents/SprayMapCicero.pdf

The pesticide that will be used for aerial spraying is Kontrol 30-30. This pesticide is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for this use. A copy of the pesticide label can be found on the Onondaga County Health Department website at www.ongov.net/health/documents/MasterLineKontrol30-30label.pdf. A written copy of the label can be provided by calling 315.435.1649.

If you live in the spray area, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on the day of the scheduled spraying, it is recommended that you:

  • Stay indoors and keep your windows closed for one hour after the area has been sprayed.
  • Keep your pets indoors if possible.
  • Set your window air conditioners to circulate indoor air. It is safe to use your central air conditioning.
  • Keep outdoor gardens covered and rinse vegetables before eating.
  • Be sure children’s toys, outdoor furniture, and clothes on outdoor clotheslines are brought inside. If toys or clothes are left outdoors, wash each thoroughly with soap and water before using and launder clothes before wearing them.
  • Close your car windows and car vents if you are driving during the spraying.

Onondaga County residents who would like to receive community alerts by wireless phones, text messages, and/or TTY may register for the Hyper-Reach Emergency Notification System through the Department of Emergency Communications—911 Center at www.ongov.net/911/notification.html. Landlines are already included in the 911 emergency notification system.

For more information about spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.1649.

Jamesville Beach Closed for Swimming Due to Visual Presence of Algal Bloom

The Onondaga County Health Department announced today that Jamesville Beach located in the Town of LaFayette is closed for swimming due to the visual presence of an algal bloom. Water sampling will be conducted to confirm there are no toxins before the beach is reopened.

Please note that this does not affect the park’s other amenities during normal hours of operation, however, residents must continue to act responsibly to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding crowds, wearing a mask, and washing hands frequently.

Algal blooms can turn the water green and can form thick surface scums on the water. Certain types of algae can release toxins that may cause skin or eye irritation, or diarrhea and vomiting if ingested. People and animals should keep out of the water where algal blooms are present in any body of water.

The Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

  • Don’t swim, wade, boat, or fish near blooms or scums and don’t eat fish caught from waters with blooms
  • Don’t drink the water
  • Keep children and animals away from any blooms or scums
  • Rinse with clean water if exposed

To learn more about blue-green algae visit:

For future updates on the closure status for Jamesville Beach and Oneida Shores Beach, please visit www.onondagacountyparks.com/about/water-quality-testing/ or call the Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.

Additional Findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Mosquito Pools, Spraying of Cicero Swamp Planned

Onondaga County Health Commissioner, Dr. Indu Gupta, was notified today of four additional findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) in mosquito pools collected from a trap located on Route 298 in the Cicero Swamp area in the town of Cicero. This is the same location as the previous finding. Dr. Gupta explains that “EEE is a rare but serious disease that is caused by a virus ​transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, therefore it is extremely important that residents use personal protection measures to reduce their risk of mosquito bites”

The Onondaga County Health Department is making plans to conduct aerial spraying of the Cicero Swamp and immediate surrounding areas pending approval from the New York State Department of Health. Gupta explains, “This proactive measure is an attempt to interrupt the mosquito ​breeding cycles. Reducing the number of mosquitoes (although it is temporary) can reduce the number of mosquitoes available to transmit the virus to humans.” The timing of the spraying will be determined by weather conditions and other factors, and the actual date will be announced to the public through local news, social media, and other communication channels. Residents in the spray areas will also be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system–existing landlines with active service are already registered to receive emergency notifications through the system. Cellular and some VoIP phones are not in the system database. If you would like to be contacted on your cellular or VoIP line to receive emergency notifications in your area, you must self-register on the system at ongov.net/911/notification.html

Personal Protection Measures
The presence of EEEV in our county is a reminder that no matter where you live, it is important to be consistent in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Personal protection is recommended during outdoor activities by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outside for a long period of time. The use of insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and other products that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also recommended. Use this EPA search tool to help you choose the repellent product that is right for you, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on proper use for safety and effectiveness. Do not put the repellent directly onto children; put it on your hands and apply it to your child.  Do not put insect repellent on your face. Wash skin and clothing after returning indoors
It is also important to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by removing mosquito breeding grounds:
• Throw away outdoor containers, ceramic pots or containers that hold water
• Remove all tires from your property
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors
• Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they continue to work properly
• Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use
• Change water in birdbaths at least every four days
• Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds
• Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs
• Drain water from pool covers

• Use landscaping to eliminate low spots where standing water accumulates

The Onondaga County Health Department remains in close contact with the New York State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. For the weekly mosquito pool test results and for more information about spraying and protecting yourself from mosquitoes, visit www.ongov.net/health/env/mosquitoes.html or contact the Onondaga County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.1649.

Annual Elimination of Water Chestnuts in the Seneca River

The Onondaga County Health Department will begin to reduce the number of water chestnuts in the Seneca River in the Baldwinsville and Three Rivers areas beginning Monday, August 10, 2020. Water chestnuts are plants that are rooted in the river bottom. Water chestnuts spread quickly and their seeds can remain dormant for several years making elimination of water chestnuts a multi-year effort. Due to its thick formation, water chestnuts hinder navigation, crowd native plants, and reduce fish habitat.

The only herbicide that will be used for this purpose is Clearcast (active ingredient: imazamox). Clearcast is considered safe for the control of vegetation in and natural bodies of water and non‐cropland sites. However, Clearcast is harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled and can cause moderate eye irritation. As a precautionary measure, we are asking the public to avoid the areas while they are being treated. Signs will be posted to identify the treated areas. Detailed descriptions and maps of the treatment areas are available at: http://www.ongov.net/health/env/waterchestnuts.html.

For more information about the Clearcast pesticide that will be used, please visit: http://www.sepro.com/documents/clearcast_Label.pdf

For more information about water chestnuts, please visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation fact sheet: https://on.ny.gov/32nBVZn

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Local Business

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that a server at Angry Garlic restaurant, 29 Oswego Street in Baldwinsville, has tested positive for COVID-19. The server worked shifts on Saturday, July 25 from 3:30 to 11:30 pm and Sunday, July 26 from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. The server was wearing a mask.

Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individual and notifying them. Members of the public who visited Angry Garlic during the time periods mentioned may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days from that date. If symptoms do develop, stay home, and call your doctor for further guidance. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911. Testing is also widely available, and anyone can get tested for COVID-19 by visiting one of the clinics listed at covid19.ongov.net/.

Onondaga County is now in Phase Four of reopening, and it is crucial that residents be diligent and continue to do their part to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Protect yourself and others by covering your face in public when social distancing (staying 6 feet apart) is not possible, especially on public transport, in stores, on crowded sidewalks, or when working and have direct contact with members of the public. Continue to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces frequently.

With more businesses reopening, employers must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace. All employers should implement a plan that identifies and controls all areas and job tasks with potential exposures to COVID-19, conducting daily symptom and temperature screening of employees before they enter the facility, requiring face masks and frequent hand washing, ensuring social distancing, telling employees to stay home when sick, and educating their staff about steps they can take to protect themselves at work and at home.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website, covid19.ongov.net to provide easy access to accurate and timely local information. Also regularly visit the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for statewide and national news about COVID-19.