New York’s latest mandates fail to curb COVID-19 surge

New York hit another record on Christmas Eve with 49,708 new cases, breaking its previous figure by thousands as one-in-seven tests come back positive in the state.

Positivity rates have also skyrocketed. In recent days, 14 percent of tests are returning positive, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sunday over the weekend.

According to the Daily Mail, the "latest results reinforce New York's place as America's Omicron variant epicenter, although hospitalizations remain far lower than they were at the height of the first wave during spring 2020."

The surge is more than double the seven-day average New York had reported in the previous year's time frame. This time last year, during the winter surge, COVID-19 cases peaked at 19,942 cases on Jan. 14, 2021.

Hochul continues to insist on vaccination, masking, and other pandemic measures to fight the Omicron variant's spread. The governor announced mid-month that masks will be required in all indoor public places unless businesses implement vaccine requirements after she declared a disaster emergency in November due to coronavirus concerns over the Omicron variant, warning residents: "It's coming."

"As we come home from holiday gatherings, it is as important as ever to take precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 this season. Wear your mask, wash your hands, and if you haven't yet, get vaccinated and boosted," Hochul said in Sunday's statement updating New Yorkers on the state's progress. "The vaccine is the best tool we have to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe as we head into the new year. Take advantage of having it readily available and get yours today."