Rockland Coronavirus: Cases, Hospitalizations, Death Toll Spike

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The coronavirus outbreak is worsening again in Rockland County, with an increase of almost 400 active cases in a week, 19 more people hospitalized with COVID-19 and 10 more dead.

The county was tracking 2,225 active coronavirus cases Wednesday, up from 1,828 active cases Dec. 3. As of Wednesday, 82 people were hospitalized in Rockland with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19, up from 63 patients a week ago.

The death toll was 714 as of Wednesday, up from 704 a week ago.

"The continued rise in these numbers should be concerning to every resident of Rockland County," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. "Gatherings of all sizes, parties and get togethers that flaunt the basic precautions of social distancing and mask wearing are incredibly irresponsible and are putting all of us at risk."

Day said he is concerned that with hospitalizations increasing the community will once again face the shuttering of local businesses.

To avoid statewide shutdowns, New York officials plan to target any new restrictions on businesses and gatherings to communities whose hospitals are reaching capacity.

"However, it is not just our economy and freedom of movement and action that are at stake. Lives are on the line," Day said. "Since Thanksgiving 19 people have tragically died here in Rockland of COVID-19 related deaths."

Rockland's coronavirus test positivity rates are similar to most other counties in the Hudson region.

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