Skip to content

Back to Our Blog

7.30.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Poloncarz Updates BNP Members on Delta Variant

Blog Categories

July 30, 2021

Covid-19 Bulletin 7.30.21At a special briefing for BNP members this morning, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz provided updates on the county’s COVID-19 status and indicated mask mandates could eventually return. 

COVID-19 case numbers have increased in recent weeks, although hospital and ICU admissions have not increased at the same rate. 

This week, the CDC released new masking guidance based upon per capita case rates. “Moderate” transmission means between 10-49 cases/100,000 residents; “substantial” transmission means 50-99 cases/100,000 residents.  

As of this morning, Erie County is currently at 48 cases/100,000 residents, putting the county on the cusp of the “substantial” range. Poloncarz noted that in the past three weeks, 25-30% of the county’s COVID-19 cases were in vaccinated individuals.  

The CDC’s new guidance recommends reimposing indoor mask mandates for all individuals in regions with substantial or high transmission. Poloncarz said he expects Erie County’s case rate to enter the substantial level later today or tomorrow.  

Currently, Poloncarz is NOT imposing a mask mandate. However, he will require masks in all Erie County-owned buildings once the county reaches the “substantial” level, and he indicated a mask mandate for other public spaces was not off the table if the county continued to see a spike in transmission.  

Poloncarz noted that private employers have the right to enforce social distancing and masking within their establishment if they choose.  

When asked how the Delta variant could impact schooling this fall, Poloncarz said, “I fully expect all schools to be open, but require masks for everyone.” This would include all students, faculty, and staff –regardless of vaccination status – in classrooms, buses, and playgrounds.  

Poloncarz urged residents to get vaccinated, noting that 96% of COVID-19 deaths in Erie County between April-July were among unvaccinated individuals.  

For information on county mandates, testing, and vaccinations, contact the Erie County Department of Health 

The BNP will continue to keep you informed on any changes to state or county COVID-19 policy.  

Watch the recording of today’s webinar below.
Download the presentation slides here

Related Posts

11.18.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: OSHA’s Vax/Test Mandate Paused Amid Legal Limbo

By growthzone | November 18, 2021

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it is pausing implementation and enforcement of its COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard. Per OSHA’s website:

11.18.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: OSHA’s Vax/Test Mandate Paused Amid Legal Limbo

By growthzone | November 18, 2021

Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would repeal the state’s mask mandate, effective today. However, her announcement did not proactively address how the repeal coincided with the NY HERO Act, which would have required employees in most workplaces to continue masking.

11.15.21 Advocacy Alert: BIDEN SIGNS INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT BILL

By growthzone | November 15, 2021

On November 15th, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law.

The BNP advocated for this important legislation, which will make critical investments in our roads, bridges, water infrastructure, electric grid, and broadband while allowing our community to pursue landmark projects. Importantly, the bill makes these investments without raising taxes.

11.8.21 Advocacy Alert: House Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

By growthzone | November 8, 2021

This weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill’s passing is a significant milestone after months of contentious negotiations.

The bill would invest in roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems, airports, broadband, and the electric grid.