Health & Fitness
Delta Variant Is Now 83% Of NYC Coronavirus Cases, Data Shows
Still-incomplete recent testing data indicates New York City's delta variant levels could be even higher.
NEW YORK CITY — The delta variant of coronavirus has all-but eclipsed other strains spreading in New York City, data shows.
Over the past four weeks, the delta variant accounted for 83 percent of cases tested in the city, according to data.
And still-incomplete batches of tests from the weeks of July 17 and 24 shows the variant stood at 86 percent and 92 percent of cases tested.
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has repeatedly warned that the highly contagious delta variant threatens the city's recovery. Cases of COVID-19 went from an average of 192 a day in late June to 1,436 as of this week, data shows.
"This is a whole new ball game," de Blasio said. "The impact across this country is really troubling."
Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Concern over the delta variant prompted de Blasio to issue a spate of strict vaccination mandates for city workers and New Yorkers in certain indoor settings, such as restaurants and entertainment venues.
The indoor proof of vaccination mandate begins Aug. 16 and enforcement starts Sept. 13.
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