NEW YORK (WBEN) -- COVID-19 patient hospitalizations in New York State continue to surge toward a total of 2,000, a stark difference from where the state sat just weeks ago.
The latest numbers from the governor's office say New York's virus hospitalizations are up to 1,937 — 49 more than yesterday, up nearly 146% since the start of August and 487% higher than its lowest point in early July -- which was 330.
New York's current hospitalization figures haven't been at this high of a level since May 10 — the last time it was above 2,000.
Thursday's case count hit 5,138, the first time New York's COVID-19 numbers eclipsed 5,000 since April 17.
New York saw 17 new virus deaths, according to the latest count.
Locally, while Erie County remains in the 'substantial risk' category by CDC standards, the rate is close to the point at which it would be considered 'high risk'.
New York's Capital Region is seeing the highest seven-day infection rate, at 4.70%, with Central New York not far behind at 4.67%.
New York City's seven-day rate is the lowest in the state at 2.59%, while Long Island is just below 4% and the Mid-Hudson region sits at 3.36%.
Manhattan has the city's lowest infection rate of 2.04%, while Staten Island is a half-percent above any other borough at 3.41%.
New York City reported 2,380 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, putting it just under 5,000 away from 1 million confirmed cases.
