Picente says schools should open based on stats

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says based on the coronavirus statistics in the county, he sees "no reason" why schools shouldn't reopen.

Children have tested positive sincmarch...thar percent...in his briefing today oneida county executive anthony picente talked about just how good our numbers are... which led him to declare that he's sees no reason, based on the county and region wide...low seven day average...why districts cant have in person classes.

He respects parents decisions, but based on the data...he does not believe it is dangerous to send students back to school.

When asked about what happens if there is a positive case in school, he says he does not believe an immediate shutdown of the school is necessary for one or two cases...ultimately though he says it is up to the school to decide, go through contact tracing and testing....but picente says he feels its very important to get children back in a classroom safely.

Some of your students are safer in a school setting...some of our students get better meals better hygiene better care and better attention in that regard.

There are a lot of different factors....to say one case closes...thats the opinion of someone who has been dealing with this., not an expert not a doctor...we have to deal with this and if we do it based on one case we are going down a dangerous path in shutting things down again.

Picente said it is up to parents to chose whether or not they send their children....but he said ultimately he says this all should have been planned out in april not august.

He reiterated his disagreement with the governor in not providing guidance sooner so districts were more prepared by now.

As for the numbers just one potential public exposure on july 30th from 12am to