Will Rising COVID Infections Change Holiday Plans? [POLL]

NEW YORK — In spite of increasing numbers of vaccinations against the coronavirus, positivity rates in New York continue to rise.

On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said, if rates continue going up, new protocols in areas with the highest numbers could be coming.

And that could include more mask time for children in schools.

Hochul said the numbers medical experts are giving her don't show an end to the pandemic yet.

"I am concerned," she said.

The governor mentioned the Finger Lakes region where the positivity rate went up from 6.68 percent last week to 8.73 percent. Western New York also went up about the same.

Long Island saw an increase to 3.48 percent, up from 2.50 percent last week and 2.15 percent Nov. 1.

The Mid Hudson region's rate was 2.7 percent, which is lower than other regions, but it too has been going up. The region was 1.92 percent Nov. 7 and 1.73 Nov. 1.

Hochul's concern is that the holiday season is rapidly approaching. She advised New Yorkers to celebrate Thanksgiving safely — by getting the vaccine or booster, wearing masks in public indoor spaces and maintaining physical distance. She also said to avoid large indoor gatherings.

Nationally, cases of COVID-19 are up 31 percent over the past two weeks, and doctors are urging caution as Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, CNBC reported.

The one-two punch of Thanksgiving and Christmas with falling temperatures added in the mix makes for "the perfect storm" for the disease, Dr. Bruce Farber, infectious disease chief at Northwell Health in New York, said to CNBC.

He said he wouldn't allow anyone who's not vaccinated to attend a Thanksgiving dinner.

Now it's your turn to weigh in on the issue. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.