Keeping Families Healthy During Difficult Times

Being separated from our friends, extended family, and the rest of the community during this COVID-19 pandemic can be especially hard if you’re pregnant or taking care of a new baby or young children. Pregnant women, mothers, and fathers may not have the support they would normally have. The Onondaga County Health Department is just a phone call away! Our Healthy Families programs offer free and confidential services for moms, babies, dads, and families—from pregnancy and fatherhood advice to healthy WIC foods, support for breastfeeding, and information on your child’s growth and development, we have many services to offer you and your family. To protect the health of the public and our staff, we are offering these services over the phone—call 315.435.2000 or complete our online form to connect with us.

This week is National Infant Immunization Week, a perfect reminder that immunizations are an important way to protect an infant’s health. Infants are at greater risk of getting serious diseases and are vulnerable to infections. Immunizations not only protect the individual, they also protect families and communities from getting diseases. Children who are not vaccinated increase their risk of disease, and are a risk to others.

It is important for infants to be protected by receiving all of the recommended immunizations (shots), which can build a strong immune system to fight against serious diseases. Vaccines are proven to be safe and effective, and can protect against 14 different diseases before the age of two! During this time it is still important for infants and children to receive immunizations that follow the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice’s (ACIP) recommended vaccine schedule. Call your child’s healthcare provider today to make sure your child is up to date.

For more information about vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of immunizations, contact your child’s health care provider, the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.2000, or visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html.

Potential Exposure at Two Local Businesses

The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed that employees at two local businesses have tested positive for COVID-19. Members of the public who visited the following stores on these days and times may have been exposed:

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, 3150 Erie Blvd East in Dewitt
• Monday, March 30: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Wednesday, April 1: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Colonial Laundromat, 408 Oswego Street in Liverpool
• Tuesday, March 31: 6:30 am to 2:30 pm
• Wednesday, April 1: 6:30 am to 2:30 pm
• Thursday, April 2: 6:30 am to 12:30 pm

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta explained that, “Health Department investigators are in the process of identifying all close contacts of the individuals and notifying them. Anyone who visited these stores 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.”

Gupta also noted that “the public should be adhering to the voluntary shelter-in-place measures urged by County Executive Ryan McMahon to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.” Through April 21, IF you need essentials or use of County parks, limit your outings to the following days:
Odd Birth Year: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and April 12
Even Birth Year: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and April 19

IF you must go out, be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times and wear a cloth face mask.

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 https://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 https://ongov.net/health/cancerscreening.html.