Coronavirus briefs -- August 24, 2022

State fair to offer vaccine

SYRACUSE — The State Department of Health will operatea COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse during its entire 13-day run, beginning today.

The clinic will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily inside the Exposition Center. Insurance is not required and there’s no charge for either vaccine or boosters.

“We want to ensure that every New Yorker has ample opportunities to protect themselves and their loved ones from the COVID-19 virus, regardless of whether they have a regular health care provider,” said state Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “As we prepare for a potential COVID-19 surge in the fall as schools begin, we know how to best limit serious illness from COVID-19: students and staff should get vaccinated and boosted. It’s that simple.”

“The New York State Fair is known for being a place that celebrates community,” said fair interim director Sean Hennessey. “That’s demonstrated through showcasing the best of New York agriculture and providing top-quality entertainment, but also in serving as an information and resource hub to help our neighbors.”

11 cases, 1 death reported in Cortland

Cortland County reported 11 cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, and one death, raising the number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 12,018, the state Health Department reports.

Tompkins and Cayuga counties reported 31 new cases, and one death, the state reported Tuesday. The three counties have seen 54,171 cases since the pandemic began in March 2020. The number of people who have died from the virus has risen to 382.

• One COVID patient was admitted to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center on Monday, the state Health Department reported Monday. The hospital had four COVID patients. Since the pandemic began, 721 Cortland County residents have been hospitalized for COVID; that figure was last updated Aug. 18. The state Health Department reports 296,113 tests have been administered. The state has reported 128 deaths.
• Tompkins County saw 21 new cases, and one death, the state Health Department reported Tuesday. The number of confirmed cases rose to 23,787. The state reports 3,040,842 tests have been administered. Ninety-one Tompkins residents have died.
• Cayuga County saw 10 new cases, the state Health Department reported Tuesday. Confirmed cases rose to 18,366. The state reports 378,235 tests have been administered, and 163 people have died.

Cortland rate at 71 per 100,000

Cortland County had 34 new cases of COVID-19 between Aug. 16 and Monday, giving it a rate of 71.46 cases per 100,000 people, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

It had a “low” risk, under CDC guidelines. Under metrics and guidance from the CDC — which take into account the number of new cases in a week, the number of hospitalizations and hospital capacity:

• In counties with a “high risk,” wearing a mask in indoor public places is still recommended.
• In counties with a “medium risk,” people with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. People at a high risk for severe illness should consult their healthcare provider about the need for a mask or other precautions.
• In counties with a “low risk,” no additional precautions beyond staying up to date with vaccines and getting tested if one has symptoms are recommended.

The rates and risk, from the CDC:

Cortland: 71.46 — low

Tompkins: 137.99 — low

Cayuga: 117.53 — low

Onondaga: 109.66 — low

Broome: 110.77 — medium

Chenango: 116.51 — low

Tioga: 132.77 — medium

Madison: 80.35 — low