NYC Raises COVID Alert Level to High – NBC4 New York

NEW YORK — New York City announced Tuesday that it has raised its COVID alert level to high amid a wave fueled by highly contagious subvariants of Omicron in the region and the country.

City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said this means New Yorkers now need to take more protective steps.

“New York City has moved to a high COVID alert level, which means now is the time to double down on protecting ourselves and others by making decisions that can prevent our friends, neighbors, family and co-workers get sick,” the commissioner said. “As a city, we have the tools to mitigate the impact of this wave, including distributing tests, masks and promoting treatments. Going back to a low depends on everyone doing their part and if we follow the guidance, our forecasts anticipate that the peak of this wave will not last long. What we do now can make a difference.”

The City of New York reminds you that immunizations and booster doses are as essential as ever. High quality face coverings should be worn in all indoor public settings and busy outdoor spaces. New Yorkers should consider avoiding higher-risk activities (such as crowded indoor gatherings) and any gatherings should be limited to small numbers.

Additionally, the Department of Health notes that those most at risk should avoid crowded settings, especially if they are indoors. Everyone should get tested if they have symptoms, were exposed, traveled, or were at a big event. And people should stay home if they are sick. Treatments are available through same-day delivery, so ask that you talk to your doctor if you test positive or call (212) COVID-19 if you don’t have a provider.

For more information on levels risk alert see here.

What does it mean to enter a high risk alert level?

That there is a high level of community spread of COVID-19 and there is substantial pressure on the health care system.

What should New Yorkers do?

• Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Wear a face mask in all indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.
• Consider avoiding higher-risk activities (such as crowded gatherings indoors).
• Limit gatherings to small numbers.
• Get tested if you have symptoms, were exposed, traveled, or were at a big event.
• Stay home if you are sick or recently exposed.

Mayor Eric Adams’ office indicated Monday that a change could be “days” away in a COVID preparedness update on Monday. The city’s health commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, also issued a new mask advisory from the health department saying everyone should wear masks indoors, including in offices and stores.

The five boroughs have been in a “medium” COVID alert status since May 2 after passing a key threshold: 200 new daily cases per 100,000 residents over a seven-day period. An upgrade to “high” alert status would require COVID hospitalizations to hit a critical benchmark: 10 new admissions per 100,000 residents on an ongoing basis as well. And all five boroughs are precariously close.

At the time health officials announced the switch to medium alert, the rolling rate of hospitalizations was 6.8 per 100,000 population, while the rolling rate of new cases was 218.22. Both rates have been rising steadily ever since, at 9.2 and 303.33 now.

Any upgrade to high alert status would be strictly linked to concerns about overwhelming the health system in terms of hospitalizations. So far, infections have skyrocketed, but symptoms have been mild and the hospitalization rate has remained manageable. Officials do not expect another severe increase like the one Ómicron caused in January, but they are wary of the need to set aside resources.

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If the alert level is raised as the health department anticipates, it would not trigger any new COVID mandates. Those would be considered only if the alert level reached “very high,” which is the highest of the four levels, health officials say.

But the recommendations are clear. The health advisory city officials urge all residents to wear high-quality face masks, such as KN95 and KF94 masks and N95 respirators, when indoors and in public places, including supermarkets, building lobbies, offices, stores and other shared spaces where people can interact (think restrooms, hallways, gathering areas).

The advisory is expected to convey a special urgency around face coverings for people who are at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID, meaning those who are over 65 or unvaccinated, officials say. city ​​health.

Anyone who is ineligible for vaccination due to age or any other reason is urged to avoid crowded settings and non-essential gatherings, especially indoors.

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