The coronavirus pandemic remains a threat across central New York. The delta variant is causing breakthrough cases even among the vaccinated.

Oswego County is especially feeling the impact this week. The county is reporting an alarming trend of low vaccination rates. Numbers show roughly 40% of those who are eligible for the vaccine have yet to get it.

Just this week, Oswego County reached two scary COVID thresholds. On Monday, the county reported its 100th COVID death and confirmed there have been 10,000 COVID positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition, hospitalizations have tripled in the last week.

Oswego County's community transmission level is still considered "high" according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. County leaders are reiterating the key to fighting this virus is the vaccine.

Oswego County Legislature Chairman Jim Weatherup encourages people to take advantage of the outdoors in an effort to social distance. He says “As we transition into fall, this is a great time to explore and appreciate our natural resources. Few areas in the world offer quality and diversity of the fresh water fishing found here in Oswego County."

With a high demand for medical attention and hospital staffing shortages nationwide, hospitals have been forced to make adjustments. Oswego County Administrator Philip Church says hospitals have surge plans in place. Some hospitals have been forced to delay elective surgeries. Others may refer patients to a different hospital.

Vaccine hesitancy still seems to be a problem in Oswego County. This comes as over half of the new cases are among the unvaccinated.

With holidays right around the corner, health officials are concerned of another COVID spike. There was a surge in coronavirus cases around the holidays last year. Church expresses “We don't want people to not enjoy themselves and the holidays, but to be smart about it and use common sense."

53.7% of all Oswego County residents are fully vaccinated. There is a vaccination clinic from 1:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 22nd at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic. That is located at 70 Bunner St, Oswego.

Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson will all be available. Walk in's are welcome but appointments are strongly encouraged.