Gov. Kathy Hochul Tests Positive For COVID-19

NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul has tested positive for COVID-19.

Hochul Tweeted the news on Sunday: "Today I tested positive for COVID-19," she wrote. Hochul said she is vaccinated, boosted, and asymptomatic.

"I'll be isolating and working remotely this week," she said. "A reminder to all New Yorkers: Get vaccinated and boosted, get tested, and stay home if you don't feel well."

Hochul is the latest elected official to test positive. New York City Mayor Eric Adams tested positive for the coronavirus in April.

The news came as New York's number of new COVID-19 cases continues to creep upward, with Thursday's positivity rate up more than 50 percent in 30 days.

According to 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 reflect an increase of 57.86 percent in 30 days.

It's the first time the numbers have topped 10,000 since late January, NBC New York reported.

Hospitalizations statewide stood at 2,143, compared to 885 reported on April 5, reflecting an increase of 142.15 percent in a month— but the numbers are still lower than the 11,548 reported on January 7 as the omicron variant sent numbers spiraling up to close to 13,000 when the winter surge was at its peak.

A total of 21 new deaths were reported Thursday, compared to 10 deaths on April 5, according to state data.

On Long Island, the positivity rate stood at 8.69 percent Thursday, compared to 3.13 percent on April 5.

In upstate New York, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called for masks in 36 counties, due to high COVID-19 numbers, Syracuse.com reports.

On Thursday, Hochul said efforts continue to keep residents safe during the spring and summer months, with more than 75 million over-the-counter COVID-19 tests distributed.

"We have the tools to protect against and treat this virus — let's use them," Hochul said. "Vaccinations are readily available and highly effective — whether it's your first dose, second, your booster or you're eligible for a second booster — if you have yet to get yours, do so immediately. If you're feeling sick, get tested, and ask your doctor about getting treatment if you test positive. By using these tools, we can continue to move forward safely through this pandemic."

Reported case totals provided by state officials don't include results from at-home test kits, which aren't reported. While the rise in at-home testing has made it easier for many to see if they're positive for the virus, some experts believe the testing at home has led to an undercount of cases.

Also New York City is raising its new COVID alert system to medium as the cases continue to trend upward.