New York Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement yesterday that state health officials are closely monitoring the new COVID-19 variant, called Omicron, but that it has not been identified in the state as yet.
This followed her announcement of urgent actions being taken to address the rising virus diagnoses and the expectation of potential spikes in cases during the winter. An executive order will allow the Department of Health to limit non-essential and non-urgent hospital procedures to aid with capacity and to provide critical services.
The Order also provides resources to the state to acquire essential supplies. These protocols will be reviewed on December third.
The Hochul administration continues to focus on increasing vaccination rates across the state.
Children as young as five can be vaccinated, and the administration encourages everyone to get the shot and to receive the booster when eligible.
