Auburn, N.Y. — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday added Cayuga County to its list of counties with “substantial” coronavirus transmission.
That means Cayuga County residents are now encouraged to wear masks indoors even if they’re vaccinated.
Four counties that surround Cayuga County — Onondaga, Tompkins, Seneca and Wayne counties — also are on the CDC’s list of areas where there’s a “substantial” transmission of Covid-19.
The CDC recommended people in areas of the country seeing substantial or high transmission of Covid-19 wear masks indoors. The guidance covers areas seeing 50 or more cases per 100,000 people over a seven-day period or where 8% or more of Covid tests are coming back positive.
Cayuga County saw 40 new cases, or 52.24 cases per 100,000 residents (a 207.69% increase) in the past week, according to the CDC. The numbers are based on a 7-day average ending Sunday.
Cayuga County officials are encouraging residents to get vaccinated and wear masks when in public.
Of the 76,576 Cayuga County residents, the CDC says 48% or 37,222 people are fully vaccinated, and 39,346 people or 51.4% have received at least one dose.
“Cayuga County has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the region and now is considered to have a substantial level of community transmission,” said Aileen McNabb-Coleman, chairperson of the Cayuga County Legislature. “... Your effort to get vaccinated and continuing to wear a mask is the only way to preserve in-school education and a continued improved economy in our county.”
The Cayuga County Health Department will hold two walk-in vaccination clinics this week:
The first is scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at Port Byron Central School, 30 Maple Ave., Port Byron. Moderna, Pfizer, and the Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be available at this clinic.
The second clinic is set from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fingerlakes Mall, 1579 Clark St. Road, Auburn. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available at this clinic.
Anyone 12 years and older are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. A parent or guardian must accompany children younger than 18 years old at the clinics, county officials said.
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