Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente is in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Picente announced the test results Tuesday, noting he has not experienced any symptoms yet.
Picente said he has been very careful. He spent the holidays alone with his wife, attended no holiday gatherings and even has groceries delivered to his house. He said he goes nowhere, but his home and his tenth floor office at the Oneida County office building, where he and his staff wear masks and are socially distant.
"It’s an indication, it’s a lesson, that it can happen, even those of us who are the most cautious, and the most protective of ourselves, our families and our friends,” Picente said.
Picente will work from home while quarantining, and expects to speak to the community Wednesday regarding plans for vaccinations for COVID-19.
Oneida County is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. The county reported 207 new positive cases on Tuesday. There were five new COVID-19-related deaths, which brings the county’s total to 248 since the pandemic started.
