Onondaga County will be cracking down on local bars and restaurants not following coronavirus guidelines this weekend, as part of a strategy to tamp down increasing numbers of positive cases of COVID-19 in the community.
It's an important moment in central New York in the fight against the illness, according to Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. He said a seasonal shift has resulted in more than 120 new cases in the last few days, including 70 reported on Wednesday, the highest single-day total since the pandemic began. And McMahon expects that record to be broken when Thursday's numbers are released Friday afternoon.
"We have a problem now," McMahon said. "So we can’t as a community interact as much as during the summer, because the virus is more prevalent now."
That means no indoor gatherings for birthday parties, or weddings, both sources of recent coronavirus spread. McMahon suggests keeping Halloween activities to family units.
And he said the county will crackdown on bars and restaurants, another source of spread.
"We’re coming out with a very aggressive enforcement detail this weekend, and we’re looking for those who are breaking the rules," he said. "Why? Because there are more cases coming out of bars and restaurants."
McMahon said the targeted enforcement is needed, but he doesn't want to "demonize" the businesses.
"We need them open. We need them operating. They are small business owners," he said. "Some are doing a fantastic job. Some of them have been lax, we have seen that, and we are going to make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing."
McMahon said the goal is to keep the economy going. To do that people have to get tested when sick, and be smarter with social gatherings.
"For us to avoid a second wave which then jeopardizes our hospital infrastructure and our ability to treat our sick, then we have to modify some of our behavior, now," he said.
SU Sees New Cluster of Cases
Syracuse University reported Thursday evening a new cluster of cases among students. In a letter to the campus community, Vice Chancellor Michael Haynie said 21 new cases were confirmed Thursday, most related to a pair of off-campus gatherings held last weekend.
Haynie said more cases are likely to result from the gatherings.
SU officials are asking anyone that was at the Orange Crate on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 24, or an off-campus, unrecognized fraternity party over the weekend, to shelter in place and do not attend class.
Earlier this week, SU Chancellor Kent Syverud sent a letter to students asking them to avoid Halloween gatherings this weekend.
"We are one party away from a spike in cases that would force us to pause all residential instruction and activities. We are so close to finishing this semester strong. Please do your part," Syverud said.
There are four weeks left before students go home for Thanksgiving break. The remainder of the fall semester will be held remotely.
