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Despite living in a COVID world for nearly two years, the changing and sometimes conflicting information still leave many asking questions about what to do if one catches and becomes ill with the virus. The most recent developments include the CDC changing its guidelines on isolation and quarantine, and the arrival of the more transmissible Omicron variant. WBFO checked in with local health experts to get some updates and reminders of best practices if one tests positive.
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Some unfavorable trends, but also some encouraging numbers make up Erie County’s latest COVID report, which was presented Tuesday. County Executive Mark Poloncarz opened by declaring that the county recorded its highest number of new cases within a 24-hour period, while hospitalizations were down.
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New York continues to break records for residents testing positive for the coronavirus, even though there is a shortage of at-home tests and there can be long waits at testing centers.
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The Buffalo Public School system, for the time being, intends to bring children back to their classrooms when they return from holiday break Jan. 3. But they are monitoring COVID trends, as children prepare to head home for an extended period.
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COVID-19 cases are on the rise in some rural areas and local leaders are urging people to take steps to prevent further infections. However, some of the resources needed to monitor infections may be in short supply.
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Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein says no decision has been made yet on whether the county will implement more COVID prevention measures next week. That was one of the questions she faced while appearing virtually Thursday before members of the Erie County Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.
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Several local hospitals are suspending non-essential elective procedures in response to hospital capacity levels, COVID numbers and staffing issues. They’re also letting unvaccinated personnel go. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz addressed this, and the limited number of elected leaders openly opposing the county’s mask mandate, during his latest COVID briefing.
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Erie County officials say Monday’s COVID positivity rate was at 12 percent, with 832 new positive tests reported for that day. During Tuesday’s COVID briefing, county leaders discussed ongoing efforts to curb the spread. They’re also concerned for an anticipated post-holiday increase, while also keeping their eyes on COVID’s latest variant, Omicron.
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Schools and COVID remain at the center of the pandemic, trying to keep kids in the classroom routinely. One suburban district is launching a pilot program that gives unvaccinated students a chance to stay in class if they are a close contact of someone who tests positive.
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Governor Kathy Hochul says state officials continue to monitor developments in the Omicron COVID variant, and warns that already climbing COVID numbers are expected to surge following the Thanksgiving holiday.