RED FLAGS SUGGEST POSSIBLE COVID-19 RESURGENCE IN NYC, DOCTOR SAYS

COVID-19 cases in New York City are on a slight increase and Dr. Horovitz from Lenox Hospital says coronavirus may be on a comeback. N.J. Burkett has the story.

Healthcare professionals are expressing their concerns about the possibility of a resurgence of COVID-19 throughout New York City, citing the recent rise in cases and the spread of the Delta variant as causes for alarm. They are urging residents to take proactive measures to prevent the virus from spreading further, such as getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. The medical community is working hard to monitor the situation and provide guidance to the public, but it's up to each individual to take responsibility for their own health and the health of those around them. By following the recommended guidelines and staying informed about the latest developments, we can all do our part to keep ourselves and our communities safe.

The CDC no longer tracks COVID cases, but they do track those who test positive for the virus during hospital visits -- and that number is up.

Rhonette Clay, a Manhattan resident, expressed that she feels safe without wearing a mask because she hasn't seen many people with masks and no one appears to be sick. However, she is not the only one who feels this way. Despite the lack of mask-wearing in public, there are signs that COVID-19 is beginning to resurface. Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, has observed that he is seeing more cases than he had been earlier in the year. In June, New York City experienced an average of 277 cases of COVID-19 per day.

As of July, the number of COVID-19 cases in New York City has already increased by over 5% compared to the previous month. While this is a cause for concern, it pales in comparison to the devastating effects of the pandemic in 2020, when hundreds of people were dying every day and the city was essentially shut down. However, it's important to remember that the situation is still serious and that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. By taking the necessary precautions and following the guidance of medical professionals, we can help to keep ourselves and our communities safe.

"We can expect that as the cases track up over the summer, as the weather cools, when people come indoors, we will see a rise in cases, a surge of cases and maybe hospitalizations," Dr. Horovitz said.

It's good news that nine out of 10 New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, but there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone is fully protected. According to recent reports, only 16% of people have received the updated vaccine, known as the bivalent, which has been available since last fall. This new vaccine is designed to provide even greater protection against the virus, particularly against newer variants like the Delta strain. For those who have not yet received the bivalent vaccine, medical professionals are strongly urging them to do so as soon as possible. By getting vaccinated, we can all do our part to help bring an end to the pandemic and protect ourselves and our communities.

It's worth noting that COVID-19 vaccines are still widely available to the public, and it's important to take advantage of this opportunity to protect ourselves and those around us. While the vast majority of New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, medical professionals are now recommending an additional bivalent dose for certain groups of people. This includes individuals who are 65 years of age or older, as well as those who have chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems. By getting this additional dose, these individuals can further boost their immunity against COVID-19 and reduce their risk of serious illness or complications. If you fall into one of these categories, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about getting the bivalent vaccine.