LI Now Leads State COVID-19 Positivity Rate: Hochul

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island now leads the state in its COVID-19 positivity rate, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday.

As of Thursday, Long Island's seven-day positivity rate stood at 7.92 percent, compared to a statewide positivity rate of 5.41 percent, according to data sent by Hochul in a release. The Capital region stood at 7.35 percent and western New York, at 7.09 percent. New York City stood at 4.87 percent.

A total of 17 deaths were reported statewide on Thursday.

Hochul also said, however, that due to a test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the number of cases per 100,000 data — not percent positivity.

As of Thursday, the seven-day average of cases per 100,000 statewide was 30.31. On Long Island, that number was 36.29; in New York City, the seven-day average of cases per 100,000 was 39.92.

Hochul said statewide, the number of new cases has shown a significant decrease compared to last month, when New York's number of new COVID-19 cases continues to creep upward, with a positivity rate up more than 50 percent in 30 days.

According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, as of May 5, the total number of new positive cases stood at 10,251, with a statewide positivity rate 7.53 percent. On April 5, there were 2,611 new cases reported and a statewide positivity rate of 4.77 percent. The numbers reflected an increase of 57.86 percent in 30 days.

May marked the first time the numbers have topped 10,000 since late January, NBC New York reported.

On Friday, Hochul said it was critical to remain on guard: "While we continue to monitor the numbers, we must remain vigilant against this virus and stay prepared for any potential surges later this year," she said. "I urge all New Yorkers to keep up to date with vaccinations and booster doses in order to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness and hospitalization. Test often, especially if you are experiencing symptoms, and talk to your doctor about available treatments if you test positive."