Hochul Gives COVID-19 Updates

By AMANDA CURCIO

On Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul held a press conference and spoke of broad concerns regarding the COVID-19 crisis as it’s evolving under her watch.

She attempted to boost the confidence of New Yorkers in the COVID booster shots that began rolling out in New York and around the country this past weekend.

Many have expressed worry over the validity of the booster shots, and the governor attempted to shut down those concerns.

“So far we have had over 200,000 boosters administered,” Governor Hochul said, emphasizing that the boosters have been approved and encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The booster shots are now being administered for eligible individuals who have received their two Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at least six months before. Those eligible for the booster shots are people who are 65 years of age and older, as well as those 18 years or older with underlying conditions or in high-risk living situations or work settings.

Hochul referred on Thursday not only to the boosters, but to controversial topic of vaccine mandates in hospitals.

She said it is especially important for healthcare workers to be vaccinated. The people of New York have a right to know that they are safe with healthcare workers, she argued. She expressed disappointment that many healthcare workers have had to be suspended or furloughed due to their resistance to complying with the recent mandates.

“It’s truly hard to force someone to do something they should want to do voluntarily,” Hochul said.

The governor also remarked on COVID-19 positivity rates and deaths in New York. She presented slides showing that in New York City there had been ten deaths over the past seven days. In the whole state of New York, there were a total of 38 deaths during that period. She said the deaths represent a plateauing of infections and that, overall, the state is doing well, especially compared to a year ago.

The governor ended her comments with an upbeat note. “What I love so much about the state is the willingness to do whatever it takes to take care of our fellow neighbors, so thank you.”