Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Provides Legislature Update on COVID-19 Response, Vaccinations
Tompkins County Administrator Jason Molino and Public Health Director Frank Kruppa detailed the County’s response to the pandemic and updates on the local COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Kruppa shared that the Health Department will be launching a series of COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A “Office Hours,” that will give residents the opportunity to hear directly from local physicians and community leaders on the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, as well as to get their questions answered. The events will be focused on diverse sections of the Tompkins County community. Regarding the vaccine, County Administrator Molino stated, “The biggest challenge we have right now with the vaccine is available supply. The State has recognized our ability to administer doses, and as supply increases administration will ramp up to the community.”
Demographic data on the positive COVID-19 cases to-date was shared, with the number of positive cases continuing to closely mirror the County’s population as it has for most of the pandemic.
There was discussion on the obstacles to registration for the 65+ population in the County, Molino and Kruppa shared that the State does not distribute those vaccine doses through the County but rather through local pharmacies and that there is no local control over these doses. New York State has directed County governments that they must prioritize essential workers in phase 1b and cannot institute a wait list.
A comprehensive document outlining the Tompkins County’s COVID-19 response can be found here. Contacts: Jason Molino, Tompkins County Administrator, 607-274-5551; Frank Kruppa, Tompkins County Public Health Director, 607-274-6674
Among Other Business
Legislature Chairwoman Leslyn McBean-Clairborne read a proclamation recognizing Black History Month. Legislator Anne Koreman encouraged members of the public to reflect on the impacts of Black women who have made their mark on history, sharing a personal reflection on Flo Kennedy, a civil rights leader and founder of the Feminist party and Marcia P. Johnson, a trans woman who played a vital role in New York’s gay rights movement.