NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The highly-transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 is now the most dominant strain in New York City.
In the last month, positivity rates and coronavirus case counts have doubled in the five boroughs.
The Delta variant, which first emerged in India, went from 22% of new cases in the city two weeks ago to 69% now.
Mayor Bill de Blasio on his weekly appearance on WNYC's "Brian Lehrer Show" said there are not plans to put new restrictions in place because hospitalizations remain low at 0.31% per 100,000 people.
"We're seeing something different here, we're not seeing any real movement in hospitalizations and that's really important," de Blasio said.
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The mayor said he's watching the numbers, but he doesn't see any resemblance to the first two surges.
"The difference now is the high level of vaccination in the city and the fact that we're adding to it every day," de Blasio said.
Should hospitalizations increase, the city will make adjustments.
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Almost 65% of the adult population in New York City is fully vaccinated and more than 70% have had at least one shot, according to state data.
De Blasio expects more people will opt to get the shot.
"I think we're going to see more and more people willing and coming forward as the Delta variants creates this challenge," de Blasio said. "I also think you're going to see more and more parents getting their kids vaccinated, particularly in the lead up to school."
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Health experts say the Delta variant is causing severe illnesses and the CDC is predicting an increase in hospitalizations among the unvaccinated.
Scientists say the COVID vaccines protect against the Delta variant.