Coronavirus numbers continue to climb in Oneida County

Coronavirus numbers continue to climb in Oneida County.

36 new cases in Oneida County.

The number of active cases is at 459, the highest number of active cases in the county since the pandemic began.

Cases continue to climb across the country and here at home.

Today, 36 new cases in oneida county.

And the number of active cases is at 459... that's the highest number of active cases in the county since the pandemic began.

Newschannel 2's cailtin irla joins us now live in studio...with more from the county executive's news conference today....caitlin good evening.

Good evening jason.

Oneida county executive anthony picente held a briefing today to talk about where these cases are coming from.

And what we need to know to keep the numbers from going even higher.

He says the surge that health experts warned us about, is here.

"the past two weeks have been very concerning for oneida county, the state, the country."

Oneida county executive anthony picente held a coronavirus briefing, announcing the highest number of active cases since the pandemic started in march.

He says a majority of those cases have resulted from what he calls bad behavior and people letting their guard down.

"we had a wedding that was held in the town of trenton at a private residence, exceeding the number of people present.

No distancing, no masks, no precautions and far too many people."

The rise in cases is a stark reminder that the pandemic is not over yet.

And the second wave is here.

He says he doesn't want to get to a point where the state steps in and places more restrictions on businesses that are already suffering.

"i don't not want to close businesses, i do not want to close this community, i want to keep this community moving forward."

Picente say a concern of his is the potential for essential businesses being shut down because of an outbreak.

He says he is going to require every municipality implement a covid testing policy, where every government employee will be tested every two weeks.

"it is important for all governments to enact a testing protocol because of the services that are so essential.

We will look at whether or not it can be put into the form of an executive order."

He reiterated... that everyone must work together and follow the rules to help stop the spread... and keep our numbers from increasing even more.

"we must continue to wear masks, be socially and physically distance, practice good hygiene and avoid gatherings that are in violation of state law and quite frankly inappropriate at this time."

I asked picente if he had any concerns about closing schools.

He says if the infection rate gets too high or if we see a particular outbreak that is school related, then he would consider taking action, but schools aren't the problem.

While we have seen some cases in schools, it's not what is driving the current increase.

Jason back to you.

Here are your oneida county exposure locations.

October 31st.

Tops, camden.

The stief, utica.