We are getting worse with COVID-19, not better. We have had 77 deaths in the North Country from COVID-19, up 10 in the past week. In the last seven days, our North Country Region has gone from 4.1% positive to 5.1% positive. Five of our seven counties got significantly worse for % of people testing positive for COVID-19.

The number of cases and the percent positive have risen dramatically across the region for the past two months.

Many of the recent cases are coming from social contacts: birthday parties, sports leagues, day care, visiting relatives, etc. As an example, a person travelled out of the area for a family gathering where they were exposed to the virus. They then exposed 15 people at a Tupper Lake child day care center before they knew they were positive. There is another person who we do not know how they were exposed, but contact with them at a Tupper Lake sports league resulted in another 25 people infected. A couple of birthday parties have infected eight to 12 people each.

We want to be with family. We want to be with friends. We want to have fun. We will. But to improve everyone’s chances of staying alive and healthy, we must forgo these festivities until enough people are vaccinated and it is safe to do so once again.

Get tested. It is free and relatively painless. It can save lives. Finding the infected people BEFORE they spread the virus to friends, relatives and co-workers is one of the ways we can beat this. If you think you might have been exposed, get tested. If you think you might have the virus, get tested. The county in the state with the lowest level of infection is testing almost half their population every week. They are catching more of the contagious people before they have a chance to infect others. Call Adirondack Health at 518-897-2462 to make an appointment.

One of every 18 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.

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

Stay healthy.