As we head for a new year to begin, health officials on a national, state, and local level are all holding their breaths, wondering what impact holiday gatherings will have on COVID-19 case numbers and if hospitals will see a dangerous influx of new cases. There's nothing to do at this point but wait and see what happens. In the meanwhile here's where we stand on a local level with the virus...

NEW, NY STATE COVID TESTING SITE

Keep in mind that if you need a COVID-19 test, a new, New York State site is opening this Wednesday, December 29 at the American Legion in Milford from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Get the details on that here.

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.

DECEMBER 27 OTSEGO COUNTY COVID REPORT

Looking at COVID-19 case numbers reported by The Otsego County Department of Health: There are currently 217 known active cases and there are 17 people currently hospitalized with COVID-related complications. The total COVID-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic rose to 95 (from 91) since our last report on 12/16. 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.

DECEMBER 27 DELAWARE COUNTY COVID REPORT

Case numbers are even higher in Delaware County right now. Delaware County Health officials have an update from yesterday, reporting 232 active cases with 6 people hospitalized. The total number of deaths related to coronavirus complications rose to 84 (from 81) since our last report on 12/16. Go to delawarecountypublichealth.com/covid-19/#Dash to access the Delaware County Public Health COVID-19 dashboard. DCPH also reported the following information about those contracting COVID in the county...

54.8% of the total population are vaccinated
63% of the positive cases are unvaccinated
37% of the positive cases are vaccinated
15% of the positive cases are Pre-K-12th students/employees
2.6% of the positive cases are college students/employees

DECEMBER 23 CHENANGO COUNTY COVID REPORT

In Chenango County, the health department reported, there are now 301 active cases in the county with 13 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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Each County's Current Vaccination Rate

Health officials in our tri-county area are continuing the message to those unvaccinated: "get vaccinated as soon as possible". The percentage of those getting vaccines is slowly creeping up each week. Currently, the vaccination rate in Chenango County's TOTAL population with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is at 62.8%, Delaware County's vaccine rate is at 59.8%. In Otsego County, the percentage of residents 12 and older with at least one dose is 63.9%.

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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