New York Told 'Wear Mask' With Emergence of Omicron COVID Variant

Gov. Hochul is advising New Yorkers to put the face mask back on.

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On Sunday, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19. 5.31 percent of all tests came back positive in the previous 24 hours. The 7-day positivity rate is also 4.12 percent.

"With the arrival of winter when more people are traveling and gathering indoors, and the emergence of the Omicron variant, we are reminded that we cannot let our guard down in our fight to stop the spread of COVID-19," Hochul said.

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Hochul also encouraged all New Yorkers to "wear a mask."

"Wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay safe as we head into the winter season," she added. "We are not defenseless, vaccinations and testing are the best tools we have in preventing further spread of the virus and its variants. If you have yet to get your vaccine, go out and do so as soon as you can and if you're due for your booster, doses are readily available across the state."

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Hochul confirmed 90.3 percent of all New Yorkers 18 and older have received at least one vaccine while 80.5 percent have completed their vaccine series. 77.5 percent of all eligible New Yorkers have at least one vaccine dose.

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Hochul reported 41 more New Yorkers died from COVID. 335 New Yorkers were admitted to the hospital. 2,829 New Yorkers are currently hospitalized with COVID with 538 in ICU and 298 in ICU with intubation.

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On Twitter, on Monday she encouraged all eligible New Yorkers to get a booster because of the new variant.

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On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul says with the Omicron variant just across the bridge in Ontario, it's not a question of if it comes to New York, but when.

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In a Monday morning tweet, Hochul urged all New Yorkers to get vaccinated, especially those in Western New York.

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In response to the new variant, Hochul declared a State of Emergency.

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