Daily NY COVID-19 Updates No Longer Given After Next Friday: Hochul

LONG ISLAND, NY — After more than three years, New York State will no longer sent out COVID-19 news releases after next Friday, May 12, Governor Kathy Hochul said.

On Friday, the World Health Organization also declared an end to the COVID global public health emergency.

And, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 public health emergency declaration is set to expire on May 11; Hochul's announcement was made in alignment with that date.

Also on Friday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, submitted her resignation, citing the time was right for a transition, according to an Associated Press report. That report also said that to date, about 1.1 million nationwide have died from COVID-19.

As of Friday, New York's positivity rate stood at 2.29 percent, with the positivity rate on Long Island recorded at 2.81 percent.

Hochul still urged New Yorkers to take precautions.

"Even though the federal public health emergency is ending, I encourage every New Yorker to remain vigilant against COVID-19 and use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," she said. "Stay up to date on vaccine doses and be sure to test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options."

The latest COVID-19 and vaccine data will continue to be available 24/7 on the New York State Department of Health's online tracker. All COVID-19 public information and resources are available here.

In addition, Hochul said, the State Department of Health remains committed to responding to COVID-19 and continues to encourage New Yorkers to use the tools to protect against and treat COVID-19: vaccines, testing and treatment.