New York recorded its lowest COVID-19 positivity rate since Nov. 25 on Thursday, while new cases have continued to decline for 34 straight days, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.
“Across the state, from hospitalizations to infection rate, our numbers are continuing to decline – a sign of hope to all and proof of the dedication New Yorkers have shown to defeating this beast,” Cuomo said in the release.
“We are headed in the right direction, but we are not at the end of the tunnel yet.”
The statewide positivity rate was 3.54 percent on Thursday and new cases are down 48 percent since early January, the peak of the post-holiday surge, Cuomo’s office said.
In New York City, the seven-day average percentage of positive test results was down to 4.95 percent, the lowest it’s been since Dec. 27, with overall new cases down by 23 percent since early-January, the data shows.
Hospitalizations are also plummeting — 7,342 patients were recorded in the Empire State on Thursday, down by 625 over the last week and the lowest amount seen since Dec. 26.
The figures match a nationwide decline in cases, deaths and hospitalizations.
Cuomo noted that while the new data is promising, New Yorkers can’t let down their guards just yet.
“Until the day the war is won and everyone who wants one has the vaccine, we must continue to practice the guidelines we know work — washing your hands, wearing a mask and avoiding gatherings,” he wrote.
“I know we will remain New York Tough and see that day together.”