New York Coronavirus Cases Surpass 500,000 With 80% Surge In Infections

KEY POINTS

New York State health officials reported 2,061 new coronavirus cases on Sunday
It is the highest daily total since May
COVID-19 positivity rates also increased in "micro-cluster" zones, including in Brooklyn and Queens

New York state is seeing another uptick in coronavirus cases with more than 2,000 new daily cases reported twice in recent days, according to the latest figures.

According to a recent analysis by Reuters, health officials for the state reported 80% more cases in the past four weeks than in the month prior to that. While the overall infections remain low, authorities recorded 2,061 new cases on Sunday, the highest daily total since May.

COVID-19 rates have increased in "micro-clusters," also called "red zones," which include certain sections of Brooklyn and Queens. In south Brooklyn's red zones, the rates of positive coronavirus tests rose from 2.51% on Thursday to 4.23% on Friday. Positivity rates in "yellow zones," which are precautionary or buffer areas surrounding red zones, increased by 0.17%, with a rolling seven-day average of 2.4%.

In Queens, yellow zones in Far Rockaway saw the positivity rate increase from 1.37% on Thursday to 1.68% on Friday. In Kew Garden Hills and Forest Hills, officials also saw an uptick in positive tests, from 1.62% Thursday to 2.4% Friday, Gothamist reported.

Total hospitalizations in New York state also climbed to 1,045. More than 231 people were admitted to intensive care units on Friday, 113 of whom were intubated.

As fall sets in and we head into winter, we have a plan to fight this virus. Here’s how:https://t.co/mTQZssMtU5
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) October 25, 2020

In a statement released on Saturday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state would continue its strategy of targeting hot spots. Preventive measures will also be implemented to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"We are able to be surgical in our approach because we have developed such large testing and contact tracing programs. The news from around the country is another reminder that while we have come a long way, this pandemic is not over and we must remain vigilant: wear a mask, wash your hands, socially distance and be New York Tough. The only way to beat this thing is through compliance of public health law and by taking care of one another," Cuomo said.

Despite the recent surge, New York ate will continue with its reopening. According to NBC News, movie theaters can start operating on Friday with a maximum of 50 people per screen. Masks and social distancing will be required.