Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is concerned about the COVID hospitalization data he has reviewed as of October 19th. Across the Western New York region, a total of 79 patients were hospitalized, thirteen in the ICU.
Poloncarz says he's concerned about the hospitalization across the southern portion of Western New York as 60% of the hospitalized patients are in Erie County, but 40% are in other counties, primarily across the southern portion of the region and that's the largest percentage in that region in recent memory.
"The southern counties of New York State certainly have something 'not good' going on when it pertains to COVID-19," said Poloncarz during a Wednesday afternoon update. "I'm worried that the hospitals in the southern part of the county are going to run out of beds."
The county executive said he's on a conference call every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with New York State and leaders from the other counties in Western New York, and he described the tone of Monday's call.
"It was a very, not nasty discussion, but a pointed discussion about the increase in cases in the southern part of Western New York, such that the Lt. Governor (Kathy Hochul) was coming into those counties, and she did (Tuesday) to talk about these issues," said Poloncarz. "I believe it's fair to say the leaders in these other counties - they're not taking this lightly."
Poloncarz says, so far, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties which are part of the Western New York region are not included on the New York State cluster list.
Demographically, 36% of the Erie County hospitalizations were under the age of 65. Additionally, there were 85 new cases seen in the 20-29 age group, making up 26.3% of new cases.
As for Halloween, Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein said individual municipalities will issue restrictions or guidance for trick-or-treating activities, and that the City of Buffalo is recommending that residents find alternative activities to trick-or-treating.
"There are a lot of fun things you can do beside going door-to-door and collecting candy," said Burstein.
When asked about his opinion on going trick-or-treating, Poloncarz responded that he doesn't have kids so he may not be the best person to ask, but he still recommended families choose an alternative.
"My own personal belief is that I wouldn't recommend it," he began. "My house, which is usually open on Halloween, will not be open."
