By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

On April 10, the Madison County Health Department and Madison County Board of Supervisors provided residents with an update on the COVID-19 response during their weekly press briefing.

John Becker, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, announced that the county is mirroring Onondaga County’s stay home rules.

Effective until April 28, officials are not only asking residents to stay home, but also to limit the days they are in public locations.

If a resident was born in an even year, it is suggested they go out and get necessary items from a store or go to a local park on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The second Sunday during the stay at home orders is reserved for people born during an even year.

If a resident was born on an odd year, it is suggested they go out and get any necessary items or go to a local park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The first Sunday during the stay at home orders is reserved for people born during an odd year.

“This is not a mandate,” Becker clarified. “We are asking people to continue stay at home. We want people to be smart. We have to continue to not go out. The only way that we are going to stop the spread of this disease is by social distancing and staying at home. Please do not make shopping a social event . . . If you can go shopping alone, please do so. If you have an elderly neighbor, maybe go shopping for them if it’s your day to go shopping . . . If you are going to go to the park for the day, make sure you practice social distancing. Don’t gather with others and don’t let your children play on the playground equipment . . . We need to keep practicing [social distancing] for the next few weeks at least.”

At the time of the briefing, Madison County reported the following numbers:

748 patients tested

60 test results pending

582 negative tests

106 positive tests

71 patients recovered

3 deaths

Public Health Director Eric Faisst stated that positive cases will continue to come in for several weeks to come.

“Our first case was less than a month ago, and we still have several weeks and possibly months remaining,” said Faisst. “Now is not the time to become complacent. Everyone needs to do their part to stop the spread.”

The public health director instructed residents to limit the amount of time spent outside the home; to practice good personal hygiene; and to wear masks when out in public.

He also stated that he receives several emails each day from residents informing the county of stores that are not taking the proper precautions to protect their patrons.

“I want you to know that we respond to each one of those emails and that my staff is working with those stores to help improve their practices,” Faisst said. “However, the residents have a part to play as well . . . If you are not practicing social distancing, if you are not wearing masks or practicing good personal hygiene, then you are part of the problem.”

For a list of Madison County small businesses that have taken creative approaches to serving the community during the pandemic, visit buymadisoncountyny.com/think-shop-buy-local-during-covid-19/.

Faisst concluded by encouraging families to continue social distancing practices on Easter Sunday by participating in virtual get-togethers and online religious services.

Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood asked residents to continue following the rules and to report complaints of large group gatherings to the sheriff’s office at 315-366-2311.

County Clerk Michael Keville reported that although the state DMV is not processing any transactions in Albany at this time, Madison County is one of at least 27 counties to be processing DMV work by mail.

Registration renewals can be mailed with a check to P.O. Box 667 Wampsville, NY 13163.

License renewals — if they are not for REAL ID or an Enhanced Driver’s License — can also be mailed in with a check and an eye exam form.

The governor has extended the expiration date of licenses and registrations to May 7.

“We have asked them to extend that for 30 days beyond May 7, or 60 days, so that people don’t have to rush in all at the same time . . .” said Keville.

The county is also processing transactions from auto dealers and person-to-person sales of motor vehicles, as long as the proper work has been completed and mailed in.

According to Keville, land recordings are being processed electronically and by postal mail, so that home sales and refinancing can still take place in the county.

For more information, visit the county clerk’s Facebook page at facebook.com/pg/madisoncountyclerk/about/ or call 315-366-2261.

All general, non-medical questions regarding COVID-19 should be directed to the new Madison County COVID-19 Hotline at 315-366-2770.

For more information about the novel Coronavirus, visit Madison County at madisoncounty.ny.gov/2479/Coronavirus-COVID-19, call the New York State Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065, and visit CDC at cdc.gov/coronavirus.