Potential Exposure at Multiple Community Businesses

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed cases of COVID-19 in employees of two area Walgreens locations, a Kinney Drugs, and Hallinan’s Wine and Liquor. Members of the public who visited the below locations on the following days and times may have been exposed:

Walgreens at 4001 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205 on the following days:

  • 3/27/2020 7:50 AM-4:40 PM
  • 3/28/2020 7:30 AM – 5:45 PM
  • 3/30/2020 7:50 AM – 5:10 PM
  • 3/31/2020 1:05 PM – 9:15 PM

Walgreens at 4751 Onondaga Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13219 on the following days:

  • 3/27/2020 1:00 PM-9:00 PM
  • 3/28/2020 1:00 PM -9:00 PM
  • 3/30/2020 1:00 PM-8:00 PM
  • 3/31/2020 1:00 PM -3:00 PM

Kinney Drugs at 437 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool, NY 13088 on the following days:

  • 3/27/2020 7:00 AM-3:00 PM
  • 3/29/2020 5:00 AM-11:00 AM

Hallinan’s Wine and Liquor at 3504 W Genesee Street #2027, Syracuse, NY 13219 on the following days:

  • 3/30/2020 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • 3/31/2020 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explained that, “We are in the process of identifying all close contacts of these individuals and notifying them. Anyone who visited these businesses during the identified time periods should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing for 14 days after they visited the store. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing. 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.” Dr. Gupta also noted that both employers, employees, and members of the community should be vigilant in taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure both in the workplace and the community simultaneously to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus. “We ask everyone to take steps to protect themselves by thoroughly washing your hands, coughing on your sleeves or elbows, covering your mouth and nose with a cloth mask while outside of your house, social distancing by more than 6 feet, and cleaning environmental surfaces,” Gupta said.

Employers and Employees should follow these steps to reduce transmission of COVID-19:

  • Employees who have symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) should notify their supervisor and stay home.
  • Sick employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met.
  • Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and follow Health Department recommended quarantine precautions.
  • Employees who appear to have symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) upon arrival at work or who become sick during the day should immediately be separated from other employees, customers, and visitors and sent home.
  • Be aware that some employees may be at higher risk for serious illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions. Consider minimizing face-to-face contact between these employees or assign work tasks that allow them to maintain a distance of six feet from other workers, customers and visitors, or to telework if possible.

Potential Exposure at Manlius Tops Friendly Markets

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed a case of COVID-19 in an employee at the Tops Friendly Markets located at 119 West Seneca Street in Manlius, NY. Members of the public who visited the store on the following days and times may have been exposed:

  • Thursday, March 26 between 6:00am and 1:10 pm
  • Friday, March 27 between 6:00am and 11:00am

Since that time the store has been deep cleaned and all associates informed. Tops has been in contact with its associate and knows that the employee is on the road to recovery and wishes them continued good health. Since the COVID-19 outbreak Tops has implemented enhanced measures at all stores (including the Manlius location) to help with social distancing and safety by providing and installing additional protective equipment.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explained that, “We are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individual and notifying them. Anyone who visited the market during the identified time periods should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing for 14 days after they visited the store. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing. 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.”

Dr. Gupta also noted that community spread is evident in Onondaga County. That means that a number of cases have been reported with no known contact to a positive case or travel to an affected area. “For this reason, it is critical that we stay at home to prevent exposure,” Gupta explained.

First COVID-19 Death in Onondaga County

The Onondaga County Health Department has received notification of a confirmed COVID-19 death, the first in Onondaga County. “I am deeply saddened for the family of this individual who are experiencing this loss. This sad news proves how important it is to take measures to protect ourselves, our families, and our community,” said Dr. Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health. “This individual was an elderly hospitalized patient, so there are no risks of exposure to the general public. For reasons of medical privacy, the Department will not be releasing additional information,” said Gupta.

Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
The public needs to step up and protect not just themselves, but others in our community who are most vulnerable to getting severely ill. Simple steps everyone can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help “flatten the curve” include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home, especially when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Everyone should be monitoring themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing. 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. If you have symptoms and do not have a doctor, call Upstate University Hospital’s Triage Line at 315.464.3979 and you will be advised about testing.

Stay informed about COVID-19
Be aware of false information circulating on the internet. Accurate and up-to-date information is available from:

A representative from the Health Department will be available at today’s 3:00 press briefing to answer specific questions related to this announcement.

Potential Exposure of COVID-19 at Bethany Baptist Church

An individual who attended Bethany Baptist Church located at 149 Beattie Street, Syracuse on Sunday, March 15, 2020 has tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who were in the church building that day may have been exposed. UPDATE: This individual attended the 11:00 am service on March 15.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explained that, “All close contacts of the individual have been notified. Anyone who was in Bethany Baptist Church on March 15 should watch for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing until Sunday, March 29, which would be the end of the 14 day incubation period.”

Gupta continued, “If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing. 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. If you have symptoms and do not have a doctor, call Upstate University Hospital’s Triage Line at 315.464.3979 and you will be advised about testing.”

Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
The public needs to step up and protect not just themselves, but others in our community who are most vulnerable to getting severely ill. Simple steps everyone can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help “flatten the curve” include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home, especially when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Stay informed about COVID-19
Be aware of false information circulating on the internet. Accurate and up-to-date information is available from:

A representative from the Health Department will be available at today’s 3:00 press briefing to answer specific questions related to this announcement.

Potential Exposure of COVID-19 in Local Food Market

Onondaga County Health Department is investigating a confirmed case of COVID-19 in an employee of Ascioti’s Market located at 3249 Milton Avenue in Solvay. Members of the public who visited the market on Tuesday, March 17 during the hours of 12:30-4:00 pm may have been exposed.

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explained that, “All close contacts of the individual have been notified. Anyone who visited the market between 12:30 and 4:00 pm on the 17th should watch for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing for the 14 days after visiting the store. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing. 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.”

Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
The public needs to step up and protect not just themselves, but others in our community who are most vulnerable to getting severely ill. Simple steps everyone can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help “flatten the curve” include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home, especially when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Stay informed about COVID-19
Be aware of false information circulating on the internet. Accurate and up-to-date information is available from:

A representative from the Health Department will be available at the 3:00 press briefing to answer specific questions related to this announcement.

Potential Exposure of COVID-19 in Local Vision Care Center

Onondaga County Health Department is investigating a confirmed case of COVID-19 in an employee of America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses located at 3401 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt. Members of the public who visited the store during the following days and times may have been exposed:

  • Monday 3/9 8:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 3/10 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 3/11 10:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 3/12 9:30 am-3:30 pm

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explained that, “All close contacts of the individual have been notified. Anyone who visited the America’s Best DeWitt store on the dates and times listed should watch for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing for the 14 days after visiting the store. If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing. 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.”

Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
The public needs to step up and protect not just themselves, but others in our community who are most vulnerable to getting severely ill. Simple steps everyone can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help “flatten the curve” include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating.

Stay informed about COVID-19
Be aware of false information circulating on the internet. Accurate and up-to-date information is available from:

A representative from the Health Department will be available at the 3:00 press briefing to answer specific questions related to this announcement.

Changes to Onondaga County Health Department Clinics

Onondaga County Health Department will be adjusting the following direct-service programs:
  • The Office of Vital Statistics: Closed to walk-in traffic effective immediately. Birth and death certificates can continue to be ordered by mail, by fax, or online at http://www.ongov.net/vital/index.html. Please call 315.435.3241 with any questions.
  • TB Clinic and the Sexual Health Center (STD Center): Visits by appointment only, no walk-in hours. Please call 315.435.3236 to schedule an appointment.
  • Immunization Clinic: Closed
These changes will be in effect until further notice. WIC Clinics will continue to operate under normal procedures at this time but may be subject to change.

Take Care of Yourself by Getting Screened for Colorectal Cancer

By Kara Verbanic, Public Health Educator, Cancer Services Program

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! Did you know that about 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 75 years old are not getting tested for colorectal cancer? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among women and men in the U.S. and more than 9 out of 10 cases occur in adults over the age of 50.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month ImageScreening tests help PREVENT colorectal cancer by finding pre-cancerous polyps early so they can be removed. At first, precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms. That is why having a screening test is so important. If symptoms do appear, a person may notice blood in the stool, abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, bloating, or unexplained weight loss.

When was the last time you had a colorectal cancer screening? Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for men and women between the ages of 50 and 75 years old using high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Remember, colorectal cancer can be prevented through the removal of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and/or rectum. For men and women without health insurance or those who have other barriers to accessing screenings, the Cancer Services Program provides free colorectal cancer screening. Uninsured men and women may call 315.435.3653 to register for their free screening.

For more information on colorectal cancer and free colorectal screenings for uninsured men and women please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/ or http://ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html.

FREE Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Are Available

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. All men and women are at risk for colorectal cancer but it occurs most often in adults over the age of 50. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States.

Early detection saves lives. Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can develop into cancer over time. Sometimes polyps will bleed and a person may notice blood in their stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer may include abdominal pain or bloating that doesn’t go away or unexplained weight loss. But, it is important to remember that colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms at first. This is why having screening tests for colorectal cancer on a regular basis is important to find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

All women and men age 50 and older should be screened for colon cancer. The FIT (fecal immunochemical test) Kit is an at-home stool testing kit which looks for blood in a person’s stool. A colonoscopy is a test which allows your doctor to view the inside of the entire colon to find and remove polyps in the colon or rectum. Talk to your doctor to determine which test is right for you and how often you should be screened.

Free colorectal cancer screening tests are available. The Onondaga County Cancer Services Program (CSP) offers free tests for men and women age 50 and older who do not have health insurance. Take home fecal tests, such as FIT Kit are an easy and effective way to get screened. If the FIT test comes back abnormal, follow-up with a colonoscopy will be scheduled. Services are available at many healthcare provider sites throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Call 315-435-3653 or visit the CSP website at ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html to register for your free screening test.

Remember, if you are over 50 years old and do NOT have health insurance, call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify for free colorectal cancer screening. Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. Take care of yourself and schedule your appointment today!

 

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Dental Health: Why is it important?
Tooth decay and cavities are two of the most common chronic diseases for children ages 6 to 9. About 20% of children ages 5-11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth. It is important to start caring for your child’s dental health when they are babies in order to prevent cavities from occurring. Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining a lifetime of good dental health.

Dental Plaque: What is it and why is it bad?
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film made up of food particles and bacteria that live in the mouth. It collects and forms on the surface of teeth. When the plaque that is on the teeth comes in contact with foods that are sugary and starchy, acid starts to form which can attack the teeth and eat away at the protective layers of enamel which can then damage teeth and cause cavities to form. Minimize the amount of plaque buildup on teeth by brushing and flossing.

What can parents and caregivers do?

For Babies

  • Wipe baby’s gums twice a day with a soft, wet, clean cloth. Once in the morning after feeding and right before bed to wipe away sugars and bacteria that can cause cavities.
  • When teeth come in, start brushing their teeth twice a day with a soft small-bristled toothbrush and water.
  • Visit the dentist by your baby’s first birthday

For Children

  • Your child should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Make sure your child is drinking tap water that contains fluoride.
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings every six months.
  • Ask your dentist about applying sealants to your child’s teeth if appropriate.

When should your child start going to the dentist? Schedule your baby’s first dental appointment when their first tooth comes in.

Pregnant Women. Did you know that pregnant women can be more prone to gum disease and cavities? This can affect their baby’s health. Follow these three steps to keep your teeth healthy during and after pregnancy.

  1. Brush twice a day.
  2. Floss daily.
  3. Visit the dentist before your delivery. It’s safe!

Teeth Brushing Tips

  1. Choose the right toothbrush for your child! The brush should fit comfortably in all areas of your child’s mouth and the bristles should feel gentle on their gums.
  2. Teach your child to not brush their teeth too hard. Brushing too hard can cause gums to recede and expose root areas. This can lead to increased sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods.
  3. Show your child how to brush all sides of their teeth gently and slowly for 2-3 minutes in all directions.
  4. Have your child gently brush their tongue to remove bacteria and food particles. Demonstrate to show them how they can do this safely.
  5. Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months as the bristles begin to spread.
  6. Purchase toothpaste that includes fluoride.
  7. A pea-size amount of toothpaste is all your child needs when brushing their teeth.

Good Nutrition. Age-appropriate nutritious foods and beverages are needed to maintain healthy and strong teeth.

  • Encourage good eating habits. Choose a variety of foods from each of the food groups. Set regular meal and snack times. Good snacks might include carrot sticks, string cheese, fruit, popcorn, and dry cereal.
  • When your child is thirsty, offer water. Avoid sweet drinks such as soda, Kool-aid, Hi-C and fruit punch.
  • Brush after eating, especially after eating sugary foods and foods that stick to your child’s teeth.
  • Help control your child’s “sweet-tooth.”
  • Avoid foods that are bad for your teeth: Candy, cookies, cake, pastries, pudding, doughnuts, granola bars, syrups, and sugary beverages.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html