There's been a slow but steady uptick in the number of new coronavirus cases in New York, driven by the new BA.2 subvariant.
Central New York is experiencing the biggest surge of new cases, with a positive test rate of about 9%. That's far higher than the statewide positive test rate of 2.5%.
Western New York's rate was at 2.49% Tuesday, up from 2.23% Sunday. The state said 121 new cases were reported in Erie County, 22 in Niagara County, 11 in Chautauqua County, 5 in Genesee County, 3 each in Allegany County and in Orleans County and 1 each in Cattaraugus County and in Wyoming County.
Every region of the state is experiencing an uptick. In a press release, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she's "closely monitoring" the increase.
"I want to remind New Yorkers that the vaccine and booster are our best tools to move forward safely through this pandemic," she said.
Hospitalizations, however, continue to decrease across New York. The state reported six people died due to COVID-19 Wednesday.
