UPDATE: Boil Water Order Remains in Effect

Residents served by the Town of DeWitt Water Department remain under the Boil Water Order that was issued Friday, September 18. The Town of DeWitt will continue to sample the water and the public will be informed when the Boil Water Order is lifted and those affected will be notified by phone through the 911 emergency notification system. Landlines are already included in the emergency notification system, and all Onondaga County residents are encouraged to register at www.ongov.net/911/notification.html in order to receive community alerts by wireless phones, text messages, and/or TTY.

For updates visit our Boil Water Order webpage.

Boil Water Order for Some Residents of the Town of DeWitt Water Department

The Onondaga County Health Department is issuing a Boil Water Order to some residents and businesses that are served by the Town of DeWitt Water Department. The affected area is outlined on this map. Test results from routine sampling that were received today confirmed the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The Town of DeWitt will continue to sample the water over the weekend and the public will be informed when the Boil Water Order is lifted. This service area is under the jurisdiction and authority of the Town of DeWitt, not the Onondaga County Water Authority.

The New York State Department of Health considers any confirmed E. coli positive sample as a public health hazard and a violation of drinking water standards. The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Harmful microbes in these wastes, including E. coli, can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. These may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. But these symptoms are not just caused by harmful microbes in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you should seek medical advice. For more information about this Boil Water Order, call the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600 or visit ongov.net/health/env/documents/BWODeWitt9-18-20.pdf.

AS A PRECAUTION DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. The boil order will be in effect and sampling will continue in the affected areas until tests confirm there is no more coliform in the water supply.

Additional reminders for residents in this area include:

If you use bottled water, be sure it comes from a safe source. If you do not know the source, boil or treat the water before you use it. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water until your water supply is tested and found to be safe.
Boiling water when practical is the preferred way to get rid of harmful bacterial and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most organisms.
You can treat water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or unscented household chlorine bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite). If you use chlorine tablets or iodine tablets, follow the directions that come with the tablets. If you use household chlorine bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water if the water is clear. If the water is cloudy, add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it stand for about 30 minutes before using it.
While drinking water contaminated with coliform bacteria does not always cause illness, residents in the affected areas that experience gastrointestinal upset, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider.
It is safe to take a bath or shower, but be careful not to swallow any water. Use caution when bathing babies and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.

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 and updates visit https://www.ongov.net/health/env/boilwater.html or call the Onondaga County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 315.435.6600.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure at a Local Church and Restaurant

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that an attendee of a church service and a restaurant server have tested positive for COVID-19. The potential exposures were at the following locations and times:

Herald of Joy Evangelical Church, 3994 Split Rock Road, Camillus
Sunday, September 6, 10:00 am service

Applebee’s Grill + Bar, 3975 Route 31, Liverpool
Tuesday, September 8, 4:00-9:15 pm

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 these locations during the times 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 leaders stay 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. It is strongly recommended that attendees of services be required to wear face coverings at all times while in the facility and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between individuals (unless members of the same household). It is also recommended that all services have a sign-in sheet for attendees to provide contact information for the purpose of notification and contact tracing if there is potential exposure.

It is crucial that residents be diligent and continue to do their part to prevent further spread of COVID-19. With flu season approaching, it is especially important to receive a flu shot since influenza and COVID-19 viruses will be co-circulating in the upcoming months. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting a flu vaccine before the end of October.

Information and guidance related to COVID-19 changes daily. We are continually updating our website 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 Restaurant

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that an employee of Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse at 302 Old Liverpool Road in Liverpool has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who visited the restaurant on Thursday, September 10 from 4:30 to 9:00 pm may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 until September 24.

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 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

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: https://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.

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.

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.