New York state COVID-19 positivity rate lowest since October

New York – On Sunday, February 13, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York’s COVID-19 positivity rate is at its lowest point since October.

“I am so proud of the hard work New Yorkers have put in this winter to get us past the Omicron surge and put us on the pathway to normalcy,” said Gov. Hochul in a press release. “The vaccine is still the most effective weapon we have in beating this pandemic, which is why it’s so important that we continue to encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of this critical tool. Parents and guardians, don’t delay in getting your children vaccinated and boosted if eligible.”

Here’s a summary of the data released on Sunday:

• Test Results Reported – 157,244
• Total Positive – 3,583
• Percent Positive – 2.28%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 3.19%
• Patient Hospitalization – 3,588 (-295)
• Patients Newly Admitted – 371
• Patients in ICU – 608 (-27)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation – 352 (-17)
• Total Discharges – 280,983 (+609)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 50
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 54,125

The Health Electronic Response Data System (HERDS) is used by NYS DOH to collect and confirm daily death data reported by hospitals, nursing homes, and adult care facilities across the state.

In the Finger Lakes region, the seven-day average for positive COVID-19 test results is 5.44%. In Central New York, the average for positive test results is 7.63%. The Southern Tier’s most recent average for positive test results is 4.55%, and the average for Western New York is 6.06%.

On Saturday, February 12, 50 New Yorkers died due to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 54,125.

The NYS DOH says the Omicron COVID-19 variant now represents 95% of viruses in circulation.