New York State COVID Positivity and Hospitalization Rates Continue to Drop

   New York’s statewide COVID positivity rate today dropped to 2.76%, which is the lowest the rate has been since Nov. 21, when the surge caused by increased holiday travel began, announced Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who added that New York’s statewide 7-day average positivity rate plunged to 3.05%, which is the state’s lowest rate since Nov. 25.

     In addition, for the first time since Dec. 1, today, the number of New Yorkers who are hospitalized due to COVID decreased to 3,963, which is the first time since Dec. 1, that rate has dipped below 4,000.  

    "New Yorkers are continuing to practice the right behaviors and follow the state's public health guidance, and they should be commended for that,” Gov. Cuomo said. “Even as we make progress vaccinating more New Yorkers every single day and hospitalizations drop to new lows, it's critical for us all to stay vigilant until the infection rate drops, and we reach a higher level of immunity.

   "Washing hands, staying appropriately socially distanced and wearing masks are important things each of us can do to slow the spread. New York State is opening more vaccination sites and expanding eligibility for the vaccine to get more shots in arms, faster. 

   This has been an incredibly trying time for all New Yorkers, and I know COVID fatigue is setting in, but we can't give up fighting this virus until we reach the light at the end of the tunnel."

(Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)