ALBANY – New cases of COVID-19 reported by the state health department on Thursday totaled 1,452 and the second wave of the deadly virus continues to spread. There were 10 new deaths reported as well.
Medical experts are fearful that with the holiday season in full swing, the number of positive cases and deaths will increase at a rapid pace unto January.
The silver lining to the situation is that vaccinations are underway with healthcare professionals being the first to receive them. They will be followed by nursing home residents, emergency services personnel, the elderly and at-risk people.
Officials say the vaccine should be available to the general population this coming spring.
In the meantime, they remind everyone to stay safe, wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, wear a mask and practice social distancing.
| COUNTY | TOTAL POSITVE | NEW POSITIVE |
| Columbia | 1,435 | 19 |
| Dutchess | 10,929 | 157 |
| Greene | 1,062 | 31 |
| Orange | 21,822 | 273 |
| Putnam | 4,338 | 49 |
| Rockland | 26,048 | 209 |
| Sullivan | 2,849 | 52 |
| Ulster | 5,164 | 85 |
| Westchester | 65,137 | 577 |
| COUNTY | NEW DEATHS |
| Dutchess | 2 |
| Orange | 3 |
| Rockland | 1 |
| Westchester | 4 |
