BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – The Erie County Health Department is cautioning residents about Easter weekend get-togethers and asking people to reconsider travel for spring break.
Health officials are not explicitly preventing gatherings this weekend. Instead, they're offering guidance for religious gatherings, family celebrations, and spring break travel.
The health department encourages faith leaders and religious facility managers to review safety plans and operations in advance of services this weekend.
"For in-person gatherings, faith leaders should strongly encourage face mask use for all attendees, follow NY guidance for cleaning and social distancing, and consider outdoor services," the county said.
The county wants family celebrations to be limited in size to reduce COVID-19 risks.
"If unvaccinated people or children are present, face masks should be worn," the county said.
New York State no longer requires individuals returning from high-risk states to quarantine or to "test out" of quarantine. However, because Erie County has seen an increase in new cases, they are discouraging people from traveling for spring break.
More than 500 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Western New York on Thursday. Hospitalizations have nearly doubled since March 20, though the 220 hospitalizations are less than half of the December 10 peak of 548.
