On May 11, 2020, Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II issued Local Emergency Order 6-L, which modified previous orders on post-COVID 19 testing quarantines. As of this date, while individuals in Onondaga County who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 are still ordered to self-quarantine while awaiting their test results, individuals who are asymptomatic are not required to do so. This change coincides with McMahon’s announcement that COVID-19 testing is now available, on demand, to any Onondaga County resident regardless of symptoms or possible exposure status. The previous Local Emergency Order exempted only asymptomatic essential health care workers from the mandatory quarantine, directing such individuals to follow the Department of Health essential worker return to work guidance.

Onondaga County Hospitals should note, however, that Local Order 6-L DOES NOT preempt the Department of Health guidance for post-test quarantining of elective surgery patients. The State protocols for permitted elective surgeries remain in full force and effect.

A copy of Local Order 6-L is attached. DOH Guidance for essential workers returning to work can be found here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/04/doh_covid19_essentialpersonnelreturntowork_rev2_033120.pdf

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