NY's COVID-19 Cases Rise, Positivity Rate Up More Than 50% In Month

LONG ISLAND, NY — 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 Gov. Kathy 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.

The CDC said while more than 87 percent of the nation is still in the "green," or at low risk, there are 79 counties at a high risk, up from 40 two weeks ago — with nearly half in New York, the Syracuse.com report said.

Meanwhile, Hochul said Central New York, the first region in the state to indicate a recent uptick, is on a downward trend, with a cases down 12.1 percent compared to last week; case rates are also down in the Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and the Southern Tier, she said. Hochul said COVID-19 hospital admission rates are also declining in Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and the Southern Tier.

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.

The latest increase in COVID cases follows a study revealing that even mild infections can significantly affect brain health. Long COVID — longterm health problems that can arise from COVID infections — can reduce brain size and gray matter, according to the report published in Nature. The virus can also damage tissue in areas linked to smell, taste and memory, according to the research.

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

The NBC reported that the "highly contagious subvariants of omicron" have led officials to urge caution not just in New York but nationwide.