The state Department of Health and Social Services reports 3,082 new cases in the data update on Monday from Friday through Sunday, indicating that the new Omicron cases are starting to slow down. The DHSS also stated that, as of this week, newly accounted COVID-19 deaths will be reported weekly on Wednesdays.
There are currently 127 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who are hospitalized and four additional patients who are considered persons under investigation (PUI) for a total of 131 current COVID-related hospitalizations. Six of these patients are on ventilators. The percentage of patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19 is 13%.
The current statewide alert level – based on the reported number of cases per 100,000 people over the past 7 days – is high (red) at 1,485.93. For boroughs and census areas: 28 areas are at the high alert level.
The DHSS notes that protective measures against the Omicron variant remain the same as for the other COVID variants. Layering protective measures, including masking, handwashing, physical distancing, and testing help to reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Using a self-test before and after travel and large gatherings is advised.
