At least 5 people test positive for COVID-19 after visiting apple orchard
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The Onondaga County Department of Health confirmed Wednesday that at least five people who visited Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards on Saturday tested positive for the coronavirus.
The infected individuals were at the orchard from 2:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. They wore masks at all times, except while seated indoors to eat, according to the county’s press release. Beak & Skiff is a popular destination among Syracuse University students.
They also rode a tractor into the orchard while wearing masks but were seated close to other riders, which increases the risk of exposure, according to the county.
The county was monitoring two emerging COVID-19 clusters as of Tuesday, including one at Syracuse University, where as many as 45 students tested positive for the virus following a party at an apartment complex on Walnut Avenue late last week. The second cluster is at a local manufacturer.
Investigators with the health department are identifying and communicating with all those who came in close contact with the infected individuals. Anyone who has been exposed to the virus should quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms, and those who develop symptoms should stay home and call their doctor, according to the county.
Published on October 7, 2020 at 1:29 pm
Contact Mira: mlberenb@syr.edu