ALBANY- New York is instituting measures to protect individuals from COVID-19 following reports of a new variant, BA.2.86, and Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state officials to implement these measures following an increase in hospitalizations associated with COVID-19.
“While New Yorkers might want to be done with COVID-19, COVID-19 isn’t done with us,” Governor Hochul said. “With the increase in hospitalizations and reported cases this summer, I strongly urge everyone to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their communities. To keep New Yorkers safe, my administration will continue to monitor this situation, share information on the new boosters as soon as it’s available, and continue to make N-95 masks available statewide.”
Health officials have said that an updated COVID-19 vaccine tailored to guard against certain variants is expected to arrive in pharmacies and doctor’s offices in the coming weeks.
With most students preparing to return to school in the coming days, Hochul and the state Department of Health are urging schools review the current guidance for COVID-19 prevention. Specifically, schools are recommended to promote vaccination and testing, encourage students, teachers, and faculty to stay home if they are sick and exhibiting symptoms, to optimize ventilation and maintain improvements to indoor air quality, and teach and reinforce proper handwashing and hygiene practices.
In addition to focusing on schools, the state DOH has recently contacted nursing home providers statewide to alert them of the increase in COVID-19 infections and to remind facilities of measures that can be taken to help reduce transmission among vulnerable populations.
