Proclamation Of Emergency Order No. 20-Rr Pertaining To Covid-19 Testing And Face Coverings At Senior Living Facilities
WHEREAS, on March 14, 2020, I, J. Ryan McMahon, II, Onondaga County Executive, by the authority vested in me by the Onondaga County Charter, the Onondaga County Administrative Code, and the laws of the State of New York, declared, pursuant to Section 24 of Atiicle 2-B of the New York State Executive Law, that the public safety was sufficiently imperiled such that a Proclamation of Emergency was declared within the territorial limits of Onondaga County, which Proclamation of Emergency has been extended; and
WHEREAS, cases of COVID-19 continue to cause a significant public health concern in Onondaga County; and the population of older adults, many with underlying conditions, who reside in senior living facilities continue to be a vulnerable population and as such, it is necessary to issue this Order to manage community spread and help protect our most vulnerable population; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with authority vested in me by the Onondaga County Charter and Code, local home rnle powers, and New York State Executive Law Section 24, I hereby issue this Local Emergency Order No. 20 and mandate that all staff and visitors entering a senior care residential or long-term care facility, including but not limited to assisted living, independent living, and nursing care facilities, must wear a facial covering while in the facility, and all staff are mandated to undergo COVID-19 testing, at least, once a week.
As the law requires a Local Emergency Order shall not exceed 5 days, this Order shall remain in effect for 5 days through March 14, 2022, and will be formally renewed by the issuance of successive 5-day Orders. This order is necessary to safeguard the public health and welfare, and necessaiy to assist in the disaster effort.
This Order is intended to comply with all laws and regulations, state and federal, and shall be read and interpreted in such manner.