Broome County Executive Jason Garnar says there’s a real possibility the county could be put in a more restrictive Orange designation unless it brings COVID-19 infection rates down.

Garnar says the rate since the county was designated a Yellow Zone has been controlled but it’s not going down.

Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News (file photo)
Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News (file photo)
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During his October 28 news briefing, the Democrat said the infection is primarily in the general community with about a quarter of the spread in congregate care facilities like nursing homes. Bridgewater Rehabilitation and Nursing Center last week was named a hotspot again. 

The county says it’s looking at coronavirus infections within households.

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State metrics say infection rates need to below two percent over a seven-day rolling period while Broome’s rate lately has come in at over three percent. 

Other factors playing in, including availability of hospital beds, have kept the county in the Yellow Zone. 

If it were to move into Orange or the most restrictive Red Zone, businesses would have to close and there could be a ban on any social gatherings. 

Still, Broome’s Executive is urging residents to do as much as possible to stop the spread and bring the numbers down.  That includes staying home as much as possible and, of course, always wearing masks and keeping at least 6 feet apart. 

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