Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased in the past couple of weeks across New York, in a spike that’s a fraction of the worst spike of the coronavirus pandemic, but still has seen a death in Cortland County. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Saturday that combination of increased social gatherings during the summer months and warmer weather forcing those gatherings indoors is behind the increase.
“While we are well below the figures seen during the pandemic, we are closely monitoring activity regarding the latest variants,” Hochul said. “By following the guidance and taking simple precautions, New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a safe and healthy summer.”
“We are seeing an increase in admissions to hospitals, yet below prior year increases,” said state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “As people move indoors to escape the heat, transmission does increase. This is a good opportunity to remind people to improve indoor ventilation whenever possible. Additionally, the standing order I signed last year is still in effect, so anyone who would like an updated vaccine can get one at their pharmacy.”
Cortland County reported 5 cases per 100,000 population in the week ending Friday, the state reported Tuesday. That’s up from 4.7 cases per 100,000 on July 2, but down from 5.3 cases on June 30. However, that remains nearly 20 times greater than the 0.3 new cases per 100,000 on May 31. That trend is on par with the rest of the state, the state Department of Health reports.
However, that’s a shadow of the worst of the pandemic, when more than 600 new cases per 100,000 people was reported statewide in January 2022, with Cortland’s rate topping 439 per 100,000.
Still, the virus remains lethal. The state reported a death from COVID in Cortland County on June 15, the sixth since the national coronavirus state of emergency was lifted in May 2023. A total of 144 Cortland County residents have died of the virus since it came to America in early 2020.
The widespread availability of home testing has led to a drop in tests being sent to labs, the state reports. Researchers at New York State’s Wadsworth Lab now rely more on wastewater analysis. State and federal wastewater surveillance indicates the growing presence of new variants both in New York and across the country, which are believed to be one of several potential causes of the current trends in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates, including increased travel and social mixing.
Individuals who have symptoms should test for COVID-19, and those who test positive should contact their health care provider about possible treatments, the state advises, particularly people who are immunocompromised, have lung or cardiovascular conditions, greater age or other risk factors. Those who test positive should also avoid contact with others, including staying home from work, school and social activities.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines, without the need for co-pays. Those who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover the updated vaccine, will have access to the shots free of charge through community health centers; local, tribal, or territorial health departments; and pharmacies participating in the HHS’ Bridge Access Program.
