COVID-19 Update
From the desk of Supervisor Matt Slater: COVID-19 Update
Westchester County is transitioning from the standard map of active cases (contagious individuals in a community) to an interactive dashboard. Our partners on the county level believe this will provide more accurate figures and information regarding the impact of COVID-19 in our community.
Consequently the data we can rely on is for our county and region. Yesterday’s positivity rate for Westchester County was 5.3% per the State’s dashboard. The good news is we have seen a decrease in active cases in Westchester County for the first time in nine weeks but that’s not a reason to lose focus.
County Executive Latimer has reported 353 hospitalized as of Saturday which is actually a slight decrease but we expect the number to fluctuate day to day. Overall, the County’s hospitalization capacity is estimated at 2500. While these are somewhat positive numbers the fact remains hospitalizations have doubled in the past four weeks for Westchester County so continued vigilance is needed.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are beginning to be distributed now that they have been approved by the FDA and New York State panel. The Town is proactively working with Yorktown nursing home facilities, local EMS personnel, medical service providers and hospitals to help coordinate the vaccine distribution in conjunction with the State’s plan.
As more of the vaccine becomes available that light at the end of this long tunnel grows brighter. Until then, we simply cannot let down our guard. Be smart, be responsible and be a good neighbor. This starts by wearing a mask, washing your hands, social distancing and staying home if you are not well.
I know how difficult this holiday season has been but we are so close to reaching the end of this long and painful tunnel. Our residents have been stellar throughout this entire ordeal and together we will emerge stronger than ever. Stay the course, stay well and we will continue to provide any new information as it becomes available.
