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Vaccination progress

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

5,640,706 doses of vaccine have been administered in New York state since mid-December. That breaks down to 3.7 million first doses and 2 million second doses. Over 10 million people are eligible for vaccination in New York state. Appointments are available at Potsdam and Plattsburgh State vaccination sites: https://tinyurl.com/NYeligible.

Last week New York state was allocated 1,020,660 first doses and 290,500 second doses, almost double the previous week. At that rate it will take another four to five months to reach herd immunity in New York state.

Nationwide and statewide, the rate of daily deaths continues to decline.

Vaccination does not mean you cannot catch COVID-19. You may still get the disease, but likely a less severe version. Vaccinated people can still transmit the disease, so we must continue to take the precautions that we know help. Proper mask usage remains critical.

People ask, “What is the best vaccine?” Get any of the three current vaccines that you can get NOW into your arm.

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

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

Counties in our region have petitioned the state to get permission to lower the eligibility age, to vaccinate more of our community. On Tuesday the state lowered the vaccination eligibility age from 65 to 60.

We have had 245 deaths in the North Country from COVID-19, up seven in the past week, all but one in St. Lawrence County. Our region’s seven-day average has stayed flat at 2.54% positive, less than the overall state level of 3.19% positive. Franklin County had the highest level and is not showing improvement. Community spread is the major issue, not the prisons. The vast majority of the positives are in the northern end of the county. So stay vigilant: Wear your masks, socially distance from others, wash your hands frequently, and get vaccinated.

Testing is still important, even as more people are vaccinated. 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

The North Country region hospitalizations are decreasing, averaging 53 people hospitalized and five in intensive care units due to COVID-19 during the past week. Regionally, we have 56% of our ICU beds available. These numbers are the best we have seen since early December.

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

One out of every 30 people tested in Franklin and Essex counties was positive. Whether walking downtown or shopping at the grocery store, you will likely encounter someone who is positive but unaware. This includes people who have been vaccinated, so stay cautious and wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands frequently.

Stay healthy.

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

(Table by Rich Shapiro)

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