City and state officials are urging New Yorkers to exercise caution amid an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state.

Data from Aug. 2 shows hospital admissions rose by 22% compared to the previous week, with more than 100 people being admitted to hospitals each day statewide, the New York State Department of Health said in a news release.

At the same time, reported cases jumped by 55% from the week before, averaging around 824 new reported cases each day, the release said.


What You Need To Know

  • City and state officials are urging New Yorkers to exercise caution amid an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state

  • Data from Aug. 2 shows hospital admissions rose by 22% compared to the previous week, with more than 100 people being admitted to hospitals each day statewide, the New York State Department of Health said

  • New York City Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said city officials anticipated an uptick during the summer months

The department noted that most cases are not reported, so hospitalizations are used as a more reliable method of tracking COVID-19 infections.

“There are currently no concerns with hospital bed capacity,” the release said, adding that “numbers are still low compared to the height of the pandemic.”

In an appearance on “Mornings On 1” on Friday, New York City Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom said city officials anticipated an uptick during the summer months.

“We definitely are seeing an uptick, which was expected. We think that now we have the tools, and we know how to deal with it,” she said. “I would tell people if they are feeling sick, they should get themselves tested. And if they are around people who are compromised, they should wear a mask.”

The city’s health commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, also joined in on social media, sharing an infographic explaining what to do if you receive a positive COVID-19 test, and what resources are still available to help treat the illness.

 

As of Thursday, the five boroughs were seeing a seven-day daily average of 566 COVID-19 cases, 25 hospitalizations and one death, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene data shows.

As New Yorkers enjoy their summer activities, health officials said everyone, especially those who could get very sick from the virus, should use caution. If experiencing a fever, cough or tiredness, officials recommend getting tested at a medical facility or using an at-home testing kit.