Last week New York state was allocated 393,530 first doses and 305,780 second doses. At that rate it will take another eight months to reach herd immunity. Hopefully, the recent approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will speed the process with an additional 100 million doses nationwide by the end of June.

Nationwide and statewide, the rate of daily deaths continues to decline, albeit at a slower pace.

We must also remember, vaccination does not mean you cannot catch COVID-19. You may still get the disease, but likely a less severe version. Also, vaccinated people can still transmit the disease to others, so we must continue to take the precautions that we know help. 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).

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

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

We have had 238 deaths in the North Country from COVID-19, up nine in the past week. In the last week, our North Country region seven-day average has gone down, from 3.72% positive to 2.56% positive. This is less than the overall state level of 3.08% positive.

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

The North Country region hospitalizations are steady, averaging 68 people hospitalized and eight in intensive care units due to COVID-19 during the past week. Regionally, we have 47% of our ICU beds available.

One out of every 29 people tested in Franklin eight Essex counties 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. This includes people who have been vaccinated, so stay cautious and wear a mask, socially distance, and wash your hands frequently.

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

Stay healthy.

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

(Graphic by Rich Shapiro)

(Table by Rich Shapiro)