Our North Country region has a higher seven-day average percent positive rate than New York City for COVID-19.

It also has more people hospitalized with COVID-19 and fewer ICU beds available than any time since we started tracking back in March. The region, as of Sunday, has 52 people hospitalized with COVID-19 including 13 in ICU. We have had 62 fatalities in the North Country.

Some of our regional counties, and the region, have met the criteria for “yellow” or “orange” zones based on the percent positives and the numbers of new cases. The main reason we are not under those additional restrictions is that our hospital capacity is not yet strained. The region has 52% of its ICU beds and 46% of its overall hospital beds available.

Of the identifiable infection sources for Franklin County during the past two weeks, almost half the positives were linked to contacts outside of the county: either visitors coming in or people traveling to other areas.

One of every 24 people tested this past week in Franklin and Essex counties was positive. Chances are, as you go about your everyday activities, you will encounter someone who is positive but does not yet know it. So, assume that anyone you interact with is potentially contagious and always wear your mask when outside your home. Try to distance yourself from others even when outside and wearing a mask. Avoid gatherings of people whether it be holiday dinners and parties, or small social get-togethers.

There are vaccines coming, but it will not be until June or July before enough people are vaccinated to make it “safe” again.

According to the Washington Post, New York state distribution will be as follows:

– First round: nursing home residents, 270,000; healthcare workers, 1.4 million

– Second round: essential workers, 780,000; teachers, 690,000; first responders, 140,000

– Third round: Preexisting conditions, 4.9 million; people 65 years and older, 420,000

This accounts for about 44% of the state’s population.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this, but we must continue to do the right things.

Wear your masks, socially distance from others, wash your hands frequently. Stay home this holiday season.

Stay healthy.