The “living room” spread of COVID-19 now accounts for about 75% of the virus’s transmission. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve can combine to make our deadliest holiday season.

In the Tri-Lakes area, most of the new cases are coming from exposure to acquaintances, people we know. Someone who is unknowingly exposed may not show symptoms for six to eight days but will themselves be infectious after two days. That means they can be spreading the virus for four to six days without being aware of their own infection. Or longer if they only manifest mild symptoms.

Get tested. Call Adirondack Health at 518-897-2462 to make an appointment.

We have had 86 deaths in the North Country from COVID-19, up 9 in the past week. In the last seven days, our North Country Region has gone from 5.1% positive to 6.9% positive. We are seventh worst of the 10 regions in the state.

The number of cases and the percent positive have risen dramatically everywhere in the North Country region for the past two months.

Community spread is the main reason. Each of us can help keep ourselves and others safe: diligently wear masks and always practice proper social distancing. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation notes that countrywide mask usage is 74%. They estimate that if usage expanded to 95%, there could be 49,000 fewer deaths by April 11.

The region has the lowest number of ICU beds available since this pandemic started. We have 69 people hospitalized and 16 in ICU due to COVID-19. Travel and family gatherings from this holiday season will probably make it worse. We want to be with family. We want to be with friends. We want to have fun. But to improve everyone’s chances of staying alive and healthy, we must forgo these festivities until enough people are vaccinated and it is once again safe to do so.

One of every 18 people tested this past week in Franklin and Essex Counties was positive. One out of every 15 people tested in the region was positive. As you go about your everyday activities you will likely encounter someone who is positive but does not yet know it. Assume that anyone you interact with is potentially contagious and always wear your mask when outside your home. 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.

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

Stay healthy.