New York Counties Struggle to Combat COVID Case Spikes
New COVID-19 cases continue to soar in the latest wave of the deadly virus around the region and New York State as vaccinated residents are urged to get their booster shot.
Broome County reported 105 new cases, 943 active cases and three new deaths November 22 for a total of 428. Delaware County recorded three new deaths from the last report on Friday, November 19.
Chenango County had 118 new cases with 232 active cases reported Monday, November 22 while Tioga County reported 10 new cases.
Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced November 22 that 90 percent of adults have gotten at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The Governor says 62,641 people were vaccinated in 24 hours from November 21 to the 22nd.
Breakthrough cases of the Delta variant is a major problem. The Governor and officials around the state have been urging residents to sign up for their booster shot as soon as possible.
The Broome County Health Department has scheduled a number of vaccination clinics but all the sessions for the Moderna or Pfizer third shot have quickly filled up. Residents can contact their health care provider or local pharmacies to schedule an appointment. They can also keep watching the Broome County website for new appointments to open up at vaccination clinics. Information and registration can be found at www.gobroomecounty.com.
Meanwhile, masks are again required indoors in Erie County because of a spike in COVID-19 positives and hospitalizations in the region.
Starting November 23, anyone over age two in the Western New York county must wear masks at all indoor public locations: from bars and restaurants, to grocery stores, to gyms and fitness centers.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said if the mask mandate doesn’t work by mid-December, the county will require vaccine mandates for indoor dining.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the decision by the county executive. In a statement the Democrat said: “this is an example of the leadership we need to see at the local level to combat this deadly virus.”
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