It must be election season.
New York City on Monday raised its Covid alert level to “medium” as new China virus cases surpassed the CDC’s threshold of 200 cases per 100,000 people.
No new Covid restrictions will be reimplemented, however, the City will likely reimpose its mask mandate if the alert level reaches “high.”
Covid deaths and hospitalizations are declining, but NYC officials are using new ‘cases’ to control and scare the public.
“The coming weeks will be critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and getting back to a low-risk level so we can more safely enjoy our spring,” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said. “And remember, the steps you take to protect yourself also protect others, especially those most vulnerable. As a city, we have the tools we need to beat back this virus. As New Yorkers, we are in this together. By incorporating these steps into our daily lives, we can continue to look out for one another and ourselves.”
NBC New York reported:
New York City raised its COVID alert level to medium on Monday as cases surpassed a rate of 200 per 100,000 people in the five boroughs, health officials said. It marks the first time the health department has adjusted that level since debuting the new system under Mayor Eric Adams’ administration earlier this year.
Manhattan and Staten Island, respectively, have the highest transmission rates per 100,000 residents, the latest health data show, but it’s the first borough that is having a disproportionate impact on the city’s overall rolling new case rate.
Those two boroughs are also now classified as “medium” COVID alert counties by the CDC. And while the new case rates are clearly ascending, they remain well below what they were during omicron’s peak surge in January.
For now, NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan says New Yorkers should exercise greater caution than they have in the last few weeks — and those who are at higher risk for severe disease from COVID, for whatever reason, are advised to consider avoiding crowded indoor gatherings and other higher-risk situations.