We are through the worst of the holiday-induced surge, and, combined with the vaccination rollout, we will hopefully continue to see improvement. The number of people eligible to receive the vaccine keeps increasing, now over half the state’s population. The problem is that the state is only receiving 250,000 to 320,000 vaccines per week. At that rate it will take seven months to vaccinate those already on the list. 

The supply of vaccines should improve in the coming months, but assume it won’t be until Thanksgiving that enough people are vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Even with the vaccine you can still get COVID, albeit a milder case, and you can still transmit it to others. Proper mask usage remains critical. Your mask should be at least two layers of fabric, fit tightly around the face and cover both nose and mouth. Here are the CDC recommendations for masks and usage: https://tinyurl.com/usemasks. 

If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, GET IT. To see if you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine, and if so to make an appointment, go to https://tinyurl.com/VAX-Eligible or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

In the meantime, stay vigilant: Wear your masks, socially distance from others, and wash your hands frequently. 

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

We have had 219 deaths in the North Country from COVID-19, up 14 in the past week. The good news is that in the last week, our North Country region seven-day average has gone down, from 4.95% positive to 3.98% positive. This is still higher than the overall state level of 3.74% positive. All the counties in our region are showing multi-week improving trends except for Hamilton County. 

Get tested periodically, to help protect our community. Infected people without symptoms are the major spreaders. Early detection reduces the spread. For an appointment, call Adirondack Health at 518-897-2462.

Each of us can help keep ourselves and others safe: Diligently wear masks, and always practice proper social distancing. The North Country region hospitalizations are going down, averaging 74 people hospitalized and eight in intensive care units due to COVID-19 during the past week. Regionally, we have 42% of our ICU beds available. 

One out of every 25 people tested in the region was positive. Whether walking downtown or shopping at the grocery store, you will likely encounter someone who is positive but does not yet know it.

Wear your masks, socially distance from others, and wash your hands frequently.

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

  Stay healthy.

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

(Table by Rich Shapiro)