Gov. Hochul declares state of emergency to prepare for Omicron variant
New York governor Kathy Hochul wears a #NYTough face mask during a ceremony to sign a package of bills to combat the opioid crisis, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)[AP ]
The Omicron COVID-19 variant hasn’t been found in New York State yet, but Gov. Hochul says, it’s coming.
She announced a state of emergency Friday to boost hospital capacity and address staffing shortages ahead of possible COVID-19 cases this winter.
An executive order she signed gives the State Health Department the power to limit non-essential, non-urgent procedures for hospitals with limited capacity.
The new protocols begin next Friday and will be reassessed on January 15th.