New York Governor Hesitant But Ready to 'Invoke New Restrictions'

New York's leader says she will invoke new restrictions if necessary.

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On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the detection of four more confirmed cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in New York State, for a total of 12 confirmed cases.

Two of the new cases are from Suffolk County and two are from Oneida County.

Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of the Governor

"Four more cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant were just identified in New York State. With the new variant circulating, the best way to stay safe and prevent serious illness during the holiday season is by getting vaccinated or a booster shot," Hochul said.

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19. 4.97 percent of all tests came back positive in the previous 24 hours. The 7-day positivity rate is 4.82 percent.

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"With more friends and family gathering indoors this time of year, we have the tools to fight this pandemic and you can protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated and encouraging others to get the shot, and mask up. We will continue to work with local leaders to provide the latest updates and make sure they have what they need to help prevent the spread of this deadly virus," Hochul added.

On Monday, Hochul said, for now, she supports local leaders being in charge of COVID-19 policies for their region.

However, some of her opponents for Governor, like the Attorney General of New York Letitia James, think there need to be statewide restrictions.

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"I know the state better than everyone and I know people's appetite for new restrictions," Hochul said.

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Hochul said last year's COVID bump "tampered off" in January. So for now she is resistant to release new COVID rules but maintains she will if she has too.

"I will always invoke new restrictions when necessary," Hochul said.

Some regions in New York are reporting significantly higher COVID numbers. Below is each region's updated 7-day average percentage of positive test results:

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Filed Under: Coronavirus in New York