COVID-19 cases are rising again in New York, with new variants causing a spike in hospitalizations. Recent data shows an average of 181 emergency room visits per week and about 750 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in late June. This is up from 80 visits and 410 hospitalizations at the same time last year.
High levels of COVID-19 have been detected in wastewater in Monroe, Westchester, and Rockland counties, though the highest levels remain in Buffalo, New York City, and Long Island. The current wave is driven by new sub-variants known as FLiRT, with KP and JN.1 being the most common in New York.
Despite the increase, the current numbers are still below previous summer peaks. Health experts emphasize the importance of staying home until symptoms improve and being fever-free for 24 hours, according to updated CDC guidelines.
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