Albany, N.Y. (WBEN) - The statewide COVID percent positivity rate has plummeted to its lowest rate since Omicron was identified as a variant of concern according to New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The 3.52% rate announced Sunday is a fraction of the rate that was more than 20% for a time during the 'winter surge'.
"The trends continue to be promising, but it is important we continue to be vigilant so we can keep positivity rates low," said Hochul in a Sunday update on COVID. "If you haven't, get vaccinated and get your booster as soon as possible, it is our best weapon against this virus."
Hospitalizations as a result of COVID are also down. The latest data shows 5,147 hospitalized, down more than 300. In Erie County, 352 were hospitalized with COVID, down ten. The percent positivity for Erie County is at 7.1% according to the Erie County Department of Health.
Hochul hinted Friday that she may be soon making a change in the mask mandate for schools statewide. A coalition of school superintendents across Erie and Niagara Counties last week sent a letter to Hochul urging her to allow the mask mandate in schools to expire.
