Westchester To Consider Reimposing Coronavirus Restrictions

WHITE PLAINS, NY — With the continuing increase recently in the number of coronavirus infections, Westchester County officials will be examining whether to reimplement some restrictions, such as mask usage.

At a news conference Monday, County Executive George Latimer said the increase in coronavirus infection is very serious.

He said when the county looks at having to impose restrictions it does so in reaction to the rising numbers.

"A month ago, we dropped to a level where we felt we were on a glide path to look to the end of this pandemic," Latimer said.

One month ago, he said, the county had reached its lowest point: 175 active cases of the coronavirus on June 28.

Latimer said the number of active cases as of Sunday was 745.

"What we are seeing, however, is the impact of the delta variant," he said.

Two encouraging metrics, Latimer said, were the number of hospitalizations and fatalities.

"They have not risen as you might expect," he said, adding that there were 21 people hospitalized with COVID-19-related illness, up from seven one month ago and only two deaths over the past month.

"There were days when we lost 30 to 40 people," Latimer said.

He said that shows that, while the delta variant is more communicable, "if you are vaccinated it is not more severe."

Latimer said whatever policy changes may be forthcoming would only apply to the county's personnel and assets, such as office buildings and parks.

When asked about New York City's plan to require its municipal workers to be vaccinated or submit to coronavirus tests, he said the county will move proportionately to the crisis in front of it.

Latimer said before any mandatory vaccination policy is implemented the county would survey how many of its employees are already vaccinated as well as ask for community input on the issue.