Another record number of new cases of the coronavirus were reported in Onondaga County Thursday. 348 people tested positive for the virus, and six individuals died from COVID-19. There are some concerns, if you dig into the numbers.
County Executive Ryan McMahon said senior citizens are the most vulnerable to the virus. That’s why he is troubled by the 43 new cases reported in nursing homes. 42 were residents. He said the county is focusing on helping the area’s nursing home residents and senior population.
"How do we protect the people who need the most protection?” McMahon asked. “What kind of partnerships can we enter into to make their lives easier? We know who this virus is brutal on.”
McMahon reported hospitalizations of COVID patients is up to 177, also a record. And while there’s not an emergency situation when it comes to available hospital beds yet, it’s that number that will determine whether any steps will be taken to shut down the economy in the future.
"If you don’t have hospital beds to treat the sick, there will be restrictions,” McMahon said. “That’s just the reality of the situation. If you can’t treat the sick, you have a problem in the community.”
McMahon again emphasized small gatherings are driving this latest surge. He hopes what he called a “brutal week” has been a Thanksgiving blip and a temporary peak.
