NEW YORK — The highly transmissible delta variant of the coronavirus accounted for more than 72% of recent positive COVID-19 cases in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.
The state Health Department reported 1,982 new positive COVID-19 cases on Monday, with a one-day positivity rate of 2.28% and a seven-day average of 1.88%.
Cuomo pointed out that one month ago, on June 26, the state reported just 346 new COVID cases.
COVID-related hospitalizations also rose by 41 new patients, for a total of 546 people, according to state DOH data.
The delta variant is fueling a spike in cases, particularly among those who are unvaccinated, in New York and across the country, according to health experts.
As of Monday, just shy of 75% of New York adults have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That leaves a large swath of New Yorkers — both eligible and ineligible — still unprotected against the potential of severe illness and death from COVID.
To combat continued vaccine hesitancy, Cuomo said his administration plans to step up outreach through community-based organizations. He announced a new PSA ad campaign as well as $15 million in funding for six statewide organizations:
- Hispanic Federation
- Asian American Federation
- FPWA
- Apicha Community Health Center
- New York Immigration Coalition
- Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
