There were six more deaths in nursing homes Thursday, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced on Friday. The total number of deaths in Onondaga County is up to 90.
The Central New York region is its first day of phase one reopening. But McMahon said that doesn’t mean that social gatherings of more than 10 people are going to be allowed.
“There is risk involved in even having 10 people together,” McMahon said. “You can always see mom or dad. It’s whether or not seeing mom or dad brings more risk, and whether it’s the smart thing to do.”
When it comes to kids seeing other kids, McMahon said parents should use their best judgement.
“It’s tough to have kids when they’re together, when they’re not six feet apart,” McMahon said. “Are your kids going to be wearing masks the whole time?”
For businesses reopening in phase one, McMahon said business owners should go to the New York Forward website and certify that they’ve read through the guidelines to safely reopen. The county is waiting on New York State for a complete list of local businesses that have certified.
With Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement that state beaches will be opened for Memorial Day weekend, McMahon said they are considering opening either Jamesville beach or the Oneida Shores beach.
"We don't have the resources and time to open both of them up," McMahon said.
He said he visited Oneida Lake Shores on Friday to visually see what a plan would look like and how physical distancing would work. The county health commissioner would also review the plan.
“If we can’t do it safely, we’re not going to do it,” McMahon said.
