COVID cases and hospitalizations have increased throughout New York State and across the country in recent weeks, according to health officials.
As of July 3, there were 7.2 COVID hospitalizations per 1 million residents across the state, according to a press release from Gov. Hochul. That was more than twice the hospitalization rate of July 3, 2023, when there were 3.1 COVID hospitalizations per million residents.
“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.”
Both numbers still marked a clear decline from July 3, 2022, when there were 16.6 COVID hospitalizations per million residents in New York.
COVID hospitalizations nationwide have been on a steady rise since April, according to Centers for Disease Control data. A new dominant variant, KP.3, has emerged in recent weeks, the CDC found. KP.3 descended from the original Omicron variant.
On July 2, the CDC said COVID infections were rising in 39 states and either stable or undetermined in 10 others. There was no data from Missouri.
“As people move indoors to escape the heat, transmission does increase,” New York Health Department honcho Dr. James McDonald said in a statement. “This is a good opportunity to remind people to improve indoor ventilation whenever possible.”
Though COVID transmission traditionally increases every winter, it can also spike at other points due to new variants. The virus can spread quickly in the summer with many people traveling; a record 3 million Americans cleared airport security checkpoints on Sunday, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff couldn’t avoid the new wave, announcing Sunday that he had tested positive for the virus.
“He is currently asymptomatic, continuing to work remotely, and remaining away from others at home,” Emhoff’s office said in a statement.
Health leaders encouraged people to remain up to date with their COVID vaccinations. On June 27, the CDC recommended everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated COVID vaccine for the 2024-25 fall/winter seasons.
