Do you feel like you're in the "Groundhog Day" movie, and just like the main character, waking up on any given day this week, experiencing this same time last year all over again when it comes to COVID-19? That's because the after-holiday spike in COVID cases is very much like last year but with a big difference: many people are now vaccinated against the virus and although case numbers are climbing, hospitalizations don't seem to be spiking like they did last year when we saw a post-holiday climb in case numbers. Below, check out the latest COVID-related information in our Tri-county, New York region.

NEW, NY STATE COVID TESTING SITES IN OUR REGION

Keep in mind that if you need a COVID-19 test, a New York State site is open at the American Legion in Milford from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 8:00 am to noon on Saturdays. Get the details on that here.

There is also a SUNY Oneonta state-run testing site for anyone experiencing COVID symptoms. Quadrant Biosciences has an easy, mouth-swab test that is self-administered that is free. It's open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 AM to noon at the SUNY Oneonta Emergency Service Building, 26 S. West Dorm Drive. Schedule your appointment at quadrantbiosciences.com/covidtesting.

You can also search for testing sites by visiting the COVID-19 Test Site Finder from the New York State Department of Health. It helps you locate where to access Covid testing near you. Just put in your zip code at coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

JANUARY 5 OTSEGO COUNTY COVID REPORT

Looking at COVID-19 case numbers reported by The Otsego County Department of Health: There are currently 565 known active cases and there are 7 people currently hospitalized with COVID-related complications. The total COVID-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic remain at 95. The Health Dept. has a COVID-19 dashboard with daily updates for the latest information.

Booster shots are available to ALL ADULTS 18 and older. To stay up to date on vaccine clinics in Otsego County, visit www.bassett.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine and www.otsegocounty.com. Also, keep in mind that you can receive a vaccine through your Bassett Healthcare Network provider and at various local pharmacies.

JANUARY 5 DELAWARE COUNTY COVID REPORT

Case numbers are also rising quickly in Delaware County right now. Delaware County Health officials have an update from yesterday but did not report the total number of cases in the county. The only currently available information was that on January 4 there were 98 new positive COVID cases confirmed and yesterday, an additional 121 new cases were confirmed. The total number of deaths related to coronavirus complications rose to 85. Go to delawarecountypublichealth.com/covid-19/#Dash to access the Delaware County Public Health COVID-19 dashboard.

For those in Delaware County who are conducting home COVID tests, county health officials encourage you to report a COVID positive test result. CLICK HERE to report.

JANUARY 5 CHENANGO COUNTY COVID REPORT

In Chenango County, the health department reported, there are now 546 active cases in the county with 12 hospitalizations and the total of deaths related to the virus at 92.

The level of COVID-19 transmission remains HIGH in Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego Counties according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For those who are currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.co.chenango.ny.us/public-health/nursing/covid19.php to find information on the latest clinics available. Those who wish to receive the vaccine need to register online.

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Pop-up Vaccination Sites Across New York State:

Pop-up vaccination site locations to increase access to vaccinations in rural communities change every week. To find out the latest location, visit covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/nys-vaxtoschool-pop-locations.

Below is a list of resources for vaccines for those 5 and older:

NYS Am I eligible site: am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov
Or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)

For UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital you may call 607-337-4888

For BASSETT you may call the information line at 605-547-5555 or visit Bassett.org.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 CLICK HERE to learn what to do next.

To get information about COVID-19 vaccination distribution, CLICK HERE.

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