Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing across New York state, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Saturday.
Hochul said new variants, including “FliRT,” are increasing across the U.S., as well as New York state. Covid is also spreading due to a rise in social gatherings during the summer and high temperatures pushing people indoors, the governor added.
“While we are well below the figures seen during the pandemic, we are closely monitoring activity regarding the latest variants,” Hochul said. “By following the guidance and taking simple precautions, New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy summer.”
On July 3, 2024, the seven-day average for newly reported Covid hospital admissions statewide was 0.72 per 100,000 residents. That’s more than double the same time period last year (0.31 per 100,000 residents), but well below the same week in 2022 (1.66 per 100,000 residents).
According to the Democrat & Chronicle, emergency room visits for Covid averaged 181 per week at the end of June with a total of about 750 patients hospitalized. During the same time period last summer, ER visits averaged 80 per week with 410 hospitalizations.
“We are seeing an increase in admissions to hospitals, yet below prior year increases. As people move indoors to escape the heat, transmission does increase,” New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “This is a good opportunity to remind people to improve indoor ventilation whenever possible.”
Wastewater detection levels are also “high” in 11 counties across New York state, according to the Department of Health’s most recent data. Cayuga, Erie, Lewis, Nassau, Niagara, Otsego, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins and Washington counties all had more than 50 cases per 100,000 population in the past week, according to a June 30 report.
At least seven counties in Upstate New York saw an increase of 10% or more in two-week SARS-CoV-2 levels, wastewater testing also showed. Lewis County saw the biggest increase, between 25 and 50%, from the previous week.
Hochul urged New Yorkers to stay current with Covid vaccines, get tested if they have symptoms and follow the usual precautions including current CDC guidance.
Information about Covid vaccine shots is available at coronavirus.health.ny.gov. At-home Covid tests remain available at most local pharmacies.