HV Lags As NY Regions' Coronavirus Positivity Rates Rise

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — New York has seen a jump in new coronavirus cases since Halloween, but the Hudson Valley region's test positivity rate remains one of the lowest in the state.

Statewide, the change in the past two weeks has been dramatic.

According to the Johns Hopkins University COVID tracker, at the end of October, New York was reporting, on average, around 3,500 new cases a day. By Nov. 14 — two weeks after Halloween — the state was reporting 5,672 new cases a day, a level not seen since mid-April 2021.

New York saw new coronavirus cases jump by 10.45 percent last week. It was one of seven states where cases rose, New Jersey having the highest increase, 45.56 percent, JHU researchers reported.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is worried about the upcoming holiday season.

"Friends and family will be spending more time indoors, increasing the risk of transmission and threatening the incredible progress we've made so far," she said Sunday.

Much of the state is seeing a spike in cases, and the trend has been going up.

The Hudson Valley region's rate has been the second-lowest in the state, lower than the state average of 3.3 percent as of Sunday. The HV was second only to New York City, according to data from state health officials.

However, within the region, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties had rates above the state average.

Seven-day average positivity rate, by county, as of Saturday:

• Dutchess: 2.7 percent
• Orange: 4.7
• Putnam: 2.1
• Rockland: 1.5
• Sullivan: 4.4
• Ulster: 3.8
• Westchester: 1.5

"Our fight against COVID-19 is not over, but the vaccine helps us maintain the progress we've made in keeping each other safe and healthy," Hochul said in her Monday pandemic briefing. "Winter months are fast approaching and we cannot let our guard down. Wear a mask indoors, wash your hands, and if you haven't gotten your vaccine, now is the time to do so. Booster shots are also available to those who continue to feel at risk to the virus. With expanded eligibility and shots readily available, getting your vaccine is as easy as ever."