KINGSTON – The Centers for Disease Control has updated Ulster County’s COVID-19 community transmission level to high, County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith said Friday.
She said the increased number of COVID positive cases in Ulster County and the Mid-Hudson Valley is attributed to the new Omicron variant, XBB 1.5.
As a result, Smith is recommending that residents wear a mask when indoors, maintain good ventilation and airflow in indoor spaces, test as soon as COVID symptoms are suspected, stay home when sick, and follow the CDC’s recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with the virus.
“Most importantly, stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including recommended booster doses,” Dr. Smith said. “Fully vaccinated persons are less likely to experience severe disease requiring hospitalization.”
The Ulster County Department of Health is conducting COVID vaccination clinics for individuals aged five and above at the former Best Buy site at the Hudson Valley Mall. COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are also widely available for children and adults at many area pharmacies, urgent care centers, and doctor’s offices.
Find more information at https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/.
