It was once the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, but New York City can now celebrate having the lowest COVID-19 positivity rate of any Empire State region, according to the latest data from the state Department of Health.
The weekly average COVID-19 positivity rate in the Big Apple was 1.16 percent as of Monday, less than half the state average of 2.65 percent.
By comparison, the positivity rate was 6.4 percent in the Buffalo-Western NY region, 6.68 percent in the Finger Lakes, 5.51 percent in the Mohawk Valley, 4.59 percent in the Albany Capital region, 4.65 percent in the Syracuse-Central NY region, 3.64 percent in the South Tier, 2.5 percent in Long Island and 1.92 percent in the Hudson Valley.
The seven-day average for COVID-19 positivity in both the Bronx and Manhattan was slightly less than 1 percent.
The positivity rate is 1.44 percent in Staten Island, 1.31 percent in Brooklyn, and 1.24 percent in Queens.
According to figures from the Centers for Disease Control, 58,413 New Yorkers have died from COVID-19.
Governor Kathy Hochul said that as winter is approaching, New Yorkers should continue to be vigilant and get vaccinated.
“With temperatures dropping and New Yorkers spending more time indoors, it is vital that we all get vaccinated,” Hochul said in releasing the numbers Tuesday night.
“Children ages 5 to 11 can get the vaccine, all school-age children can now get vaccinated and we are doing everything we can to make sure they do. Not only will you protect the community, but there are numerous incentive programs that provide additional benefits when you receive your vaccine, “he added.
The announcement comes amid controversy over Mayor Bill de Blasio’s mandate that requires all municipal government workers to be vaccinated. A state edict also requires healthcare workers to receive the inoculation.
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