New York Hits Major COVID Milestone But Restrictions Could Come
Despite reaching another COVID vaccine milestone infections continue to surge and officials say it's "crucial we take precautions."
On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19. 4.49 percent of all tests came back positive in the previous 24 hours. The 7-day positivity rate is 3.82 percent.
"We know the tools to stop the spread of COVID: Get vaccinated, get the booster if you are already vaccinated, and please stay home if you're feeling sick. The vaccine and booster is safe, free and widely available. Don't put it off any longer," Hochul said.
Hochul confirmed 90 percent of all New Yorkers 18 and older have received at least one vaccine while 80.3 percent have completed their vaccine series. 77.1 percent of all eligible New Yorkers have at least one vaccine dose.
Hochul is proud of reaching 90 percent, but says it's "crucial we take precautions."
"As of today, 90 percent of adult New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine - while that is an incredible achievement, it's crucial we continue to take precautions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from this deadly virus as we head into the holiday season," 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:
Last week Hochul warned she may have to bring back more COVID restrictions.
If the numbers don't start on a downward trend, we're going to have to talk about larger protocols, which we all know are available to us
New York's governor did not detail what action she would take, but told Empire State residents to use her words as a "warning."
"So this is the warning. The warning is going out loud and clear today, and I truly hope that the community at large will listen to this because it doesn't have to be this way," Hochul added.
So this is the warning. The warning is going out loud and clear
Hochul told New Yorkers she doesn't want to issue health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But she will do what needs to be done.
"It doesn't have to be this way. It doesn't have to be. We can do better," she said. "We're not coming in to be heavy-handed and dictatorial. We want to liberate local governments to do what they do best."
"It doesn't have to be this way. It doesn't have to be. We can do better