Hochul requiring boosters for health care workers

Another mandate is on the way for New York health care workers.

In her COVID briefing on Friday morning, Gov. Hochul said she’s building on her vaccine mandate, now requiring health care workers to get their booster shots within two weeks of becoming eligible.

Hochul expects that expanded mandate to be in effect shortly – and does not anticipate much pushback, claiming that 92% of hospital workers complied with getting the original vaccine series.

She says only medical exemptions are allowed, and there will be no test out options.

In discussing the latest COVID numbers – Hochul showed cautious optimism that while still increasing, the number of infections appeared to be leveling – as opposed to still spiking. Hospitalizations still a concern.

Hochul expects dozens of ambulances to arrive here from FEMA. She says transportation of patients has been a challenge in some areas.

As far as testing in concerned – she’s asking New Yorkers to not overreact to mild symptoms, and not go to urgent care centers or emergency rooms.

Learn more about what the governor is saying about tightening restrictions in nursing homes, by watching the video of Jerry Gretzinger’s story.

As for the latest numbers:

• New cases: 82,094 out of 377,160 tests.
• Daily positivity rate: 21.77%
• 7-day average: 22.36%
• Hospitalizations: 11,548 (net increase of 364)
• Deaths: 155
• 7-day positivity rate (Capital Region) – 18.94%
• 7-day positivity rate (Mohawk Valley) – 17.18%

MORE INFORMATION: New York State Coronavirus Dashboard | Vaccine Tracker