Gov. Governor
Jan. 20—Gov Kathy Hochul on Friday updated New Yorkers on the state’s progress combatting COVID-19, saying there 34 statewide deaths from the disease reported on Jan. 19.
She also described basic steps to prevent the spread viral respiratory infections, which are more common during winter.
Hochul released a statement in which he urged New Yorkers to be vigilant and to continue to use all tools available to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. Make sure you are up-to date with vaccine doses and get tested before traveling or attending gatherings. If you have positive results, consult your doctor to discuss possible treatment options.
Hochul urges New Yorkers not to miss any vaccines or to practice good hygiene in order to prevent Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and COVID-19 from affecting their health and to reduce hospitalizations.
The XBB.1.5. was recently announced by the state Department of Health. New York’s most prevalent strain, XBB.1.5, accounts for more than half of the COVID-19 cases in New York. Early data indicate that XBB.1.5 has emerged at a moment when both COVID-19 infections and flu cases remain high. The release stated that XBB.1.5 is more transmissible then other circulating variants. However, there aren’t any clear evidence of any significant changes in the severity or virulence of the disease.
According to the New York State Department of Health’s flu surveillance reports, influenza was widespread in the state for the 15th consecutive week. There were a total of 300 907 confirmed cases across all 62 counties. According to the report, the number of confirmed cases in New York dropped 50%, while hospitalizations overall fell 52 percent from the week before, with 798 hospitalizations.
The report also revealed that there were 13 cases of acute care and long-term nursing facility outbreaks. Two additional deaths occurred in pediatrics, bringing the total to eight.
Hochul advised all New Yorkers to have their flu shots, as flu season continues and the spread of infections is still widespread. The release stated that the flu virus as well as the COVID-19 virus were both in circulation. Getting vaccinated against them both is the best way for you to be healthy and to prevent any stress on your health care system.
The Health Department continues its annual public education campaign reminding parents and adults to get flu shots and COVID-19 shots. Contact your local health department to learn more about flu vaccination clinics. vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.
Hochul is still urging New Yorkers not to miss their bivalent COVID-19 vaccination boosters. Recently, the Department of Health released new guidelines regarding bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. They are now available to children who are eligible, and they are only for children under 6 months of age.
According to the release, these boosters are first to target the original virus strain as well as recently circulated variants. They can be recommended for young New Yorkers and anyone who is eligible. New Yorkers can make an appointment to receive a booster by calling their local pharmacy, county healthcare department, or healthcare provider. vaccines.govText their ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 for nearby locations.