Hochul: Too Many New Yorkers Are Still Dying From COVID Each Day

Gov. Hochul is very worried that many New Yorkers are once again dying from COVID each day. Over 1,000 have passed away from the virus in the past month.

On Thursday, Gov. Hochul reported 195 more New Yorkers died from COVID in the previous 24 hours. She reported 166 deaths on Wednesday and 160 deaths on Tuesday.

In the past week, 1,095 New Yorkers have died from COVID, according to Hochul.

"Even as the rate of new infections continues to move in a promising direction, too many New Yorkers are getting sick, being hospitalized or tragically losing their lives," Hochul said.

The total COVID deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC is now 62,849.

While deaths are increasing the COVID positivity rate is declining. Deaths are rising because there is a lag after people are hospitalized.

Hochul reported over 60,000 more New Yorkers tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours. The percent positive though dropped to 16.93 percent and the 7-day average dipped below 20 percent for the first time in recent memory.

"We must remain vigilant in our fight against the virus," Hochul said. "We can't afford to reverse the progress we've made fighting this winter surge. Let's continue to use the tools at our disposal to stop the spread and keep our loves ones safe and healthy: Vaccines, boosters, masks and best practices like washing your hands and staying home if you're sick."

On Tuesday, Hochul told New Yorkers the winter COVID surge may have peaked. She says daily COVID numbers offer a "glimmer of hope."

However, she cautioned on Wednesday "We are nowhere near the end of the winter surge."