New York State In-depth

NY’s COVID-19 Positivity Rate Creeping Up, Again

LONG ISLAND, NY — New York’s COVID-19 positivity rates are creeping upward, again: According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, on Thursday, the state’s 7-day average positivity rate stood at 8.89 percent, up from 4.68 percent on June 27, or an increase of 89.96 percent.

On Long Island, the positivity rate surpassed 10 percent Thursday for the second day in a row, at 10.13 percent Thursday and 10.15 percent Wednesday.

And, since June 27, when only one county in New York State, Nassau County on Long Island, remained at high risk for COVID-19 community transmission — on Thursday, seven counties statewide, including, Nassau, Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond and Westchester were once again at “high” COVID-19 community level risk, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suffolk County remained at medium risk Thursday.

Individuals in counties where the risk is high are urged to wear a mask indoors in public and on public transportation, the CDC said.

“As we continue to monitor the numbers, I encourage all New Yorkers to keep using the tools we know that work to protect against and treat COVID-19,” Hochul said. “Stay up to date on your vaccine and booster doses. If you’re a parent or guardian, talk to your pediatrician about getting your children vaccinated. Stay home if you feel sick and if you do test positive, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.”

The uptick comes after COVID-19 was on the decline statewide, after an increase in May: According to a report by NBCNewYork, in May, all counties in New York except for eight were designated high risk. In May, New York’s number of new COVID-19 cases escalated, with positivity rates up more than 50 percent in 30 days.

Reported case totals provided by state officials don’t include results from at-home test kits, which aren’t reported. While the rise in at-home testing has made it easier for many to see if they’re positive for the virus, some experts believe the testing at home has led to an undercount of cases.

With vaccinations for babies and toddlers under 5 recently given the green light in New York State, Hochul said parents needed to move to get shots in arms for their younger children.

To view CDC data on community level spread risk statewide, click here.

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