DEWITT, N.Y. -- One of the patients diagnosed with coronavirus in Onondaga County is an employee at an eyeglasses store who had frequent contact with customers.
The Onondaga County Health Department is warning people who visited America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses at 3401 Erie Blvd. E. that they may have been exposed.
The employee was there the following hours:
- Monday, March 9: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 10; 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 11: 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, March 12: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta said people in close contact with the person have been notified. But she asked anyone who visited the store during those hours to watch for symptoms of the virus.
“Anyone who visited the America’s Best DeWitt store on the dates and times listed should watch for symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing for the 14 days after visiting the store,” she said. "If symptoms do develop, stay home and call your doctor for further guidance about testing. If you are elderly, have underlying medical conditions, or are immunocompromised, call your doctor early even if your illness is mild. In an emergency call 911.”
County health officials are working to reduce the spread of the virus by notifying anyone who may have come in contact with someone who tests positive. That becomes more difficult as more and more people return positive tests.
As of Friday morning, 13 people in Onondaga County had tested positive and at least 21 additional people were under mandatory quarantine. Each case is being investigated by the Health Department.
One of those first positive cases was a man who works at the Syracuse airport.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon has in recent days said the community should work to reduce the stigma of the virus. People who get it are our friends and neighbors, and the vast majority of them will be just fine. They’ve done nothing wrong, he’s said. They just got a little sick.
Officials have also beefed up policies aimed at social distancing. Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared Friday that non-essential businesses must send home all employees.
People are encouraged to avoid close contact with others, wash their hands often and stay home if you’re feeling sick.
Have you tested positive for COVID-19 and want to share your story or your experience? Contact reporter Chris Baker at 315-766-8329 or cbaker@syracuse.com.
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