New York State reports uptick in COVID-19 cases

FILE – This undated, colorized electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, indicated in yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, indicated in blue/pink, cultured in a laboratory. The sample was isolated from a patient in the U.S. There’s less risk of getting long COVID in the omicron era than in the pandemic’s earlier waves, according to a study of nearly 10,000 Americans that aims to help scientists better understand the mysterious condition, published in JAMA on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (NIAID-RML via AP, File)

by: Max Bevington

Posted: Aug 2, 2023 / 03:37 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 2, 2023 / 03:37 PM EDT

NEW YORK STATE (WSYR-TV) — As the calendar turned from July to August, and summer continues, New York State is experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, as well COVID-19 hospitalizations.

The latest data released by the New York State Department of Health shows this past week, starting August 2, had a 22% increase in COVID-related hospitalizations and a 55% percent increase in reported cases.

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said regarding the spike, “As we once again see an increase in cases of COVID-19 in the State, I urge all New Yorkers to remember COVID is a treatable disease,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “COVID tests are easy to use as well as highly accurate. If you test positive, speak with a health care provider about treatment, which can prevent hospitalization and death.”

The DOH encourages all those who think they may be exercising symptoms of COVID-19 to take a test.