NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – More than 85% of New York counties are now shaded orange, representing a high COVID risk, on the CDC’s map.
The change comes from numbers more than doubling in the last three weeks reflecting the highest threat concerns by the federal health agency. The map shows that 54 out of 62 NY counties are on high alert.
With over 11,000 daily cases in a day, the state hit a new daily high compared to the beginning of 2022.
"Now is the time to double down on protecting ourselves and each other by making choices that can keep our friends, neighbors, relatives and coworkers from getting sick," NYC health commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, announced Tuesday morning. "As a city, we have the tools to blunt the impact of this wave, including distributing tests, masks and promoting treatments."
In CDC’s latest update put out on Thursday, the only green area remaining was Orange County’s Mid-Hudson region. The county’s COVID cases are also increasing so it may soon turn orange.
People can follow the community-based system introduced last year as part of the Biden administration's change of approach to COVID to a more endemic one. New York City, transitioning to a high alert status this week is part of that system.
Federal officials continue to warn about the rising cases and that it will further increase in the upcoming months. They warn and urge elected leaders to consider re-upping calls for indoor masks for all.
"Getting back to low risk depends on everyone doing their part and if we follow guidance, our forecasts anticipate this wave’s peak will not last long. What we do now can make all the difference," Vasan added.