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COVID-19 vaccination

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Long Island Nurse, Former Marine Reservist Faked COVID Vax Cards: USAO Long Island Nurse, Former Marine Reservist Faked COVID Vax Cards: USAO
Long Island Nurse, Former Marine Reservist Faked COVID Vax Cards: Usao Two people – including a nurse from Long Island – have been given their prison sentences for running a scheme, peddling faked COVID-19 vaccination cards. Queens man Jia Liu, age 28, faced his 21-month sentence for the scheme on Friday, April 5, according to the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York. Alongside Steven Rodriguez, a 29-year-old nurse from Long Beach, the two men conspired to steal, forge, sell, and distribute COVID-19 vaccination cards to hundreds of unvaccinated people between March 2021 and February 2022.  Original Story - COVID-19…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Percentage Of NY Cases Linked To 'Stealth Omicron' Subvariant COVID-19: Here's Brand-New Percentage Of NY Cases Linked To 'Stealth Omicron' Subvariant
Covid-19: Here's Brand-New Percentage Of NY Cases Linked To 'Stealth Omicron' Subvariant The “stealth” COVID-19 Omicron subvariant has become the dominant strain of the virus in New York, according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health officials in the US are calling the BA.2 strain a “subvariant of concern" as countries overseas have seen the number of new cases spiking in China and parts of Europe. Related story - COVID-19: Stealth Omicron Now Labeled 'Subvariant Of Concern' In the region, which includes New York, according to the CDC, the “stealth” Omicron variant now accounts for 84 percent of new cases statewide, up marke…

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by Zak Failla
Sports
COVID-19: NY Couple Facing Felony Charges For Allegedly Entering Game With Fake Vaccine Card COVID-19: NY Couple Facing Felony Charges For Allegedly Entering Game With Fake Vaccine Card
Covid-19: NY Couple Facing Felony Charges For Allegedly Entering Game With Fake Vaccine Card A man and woman from New York are facing felony charges after authorities said they both presented fake COVID-19 vaccination cards to attend a Buffalo Bills game. Michael Naab, age 34, and 37-year-old Amber Naab, both of West Seneca, were arraigned on Tuesday, Jan. 25, and each charged with one count of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, which is a Class D felony, the Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced. The couple is accused of presenting fake cards to attend the game on Saturday, Jan. 15, at Highmark Stadium. Flynn told The Buffalo News that the…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
COVID-19: New Long Island Vaccine Pop-Up Sites Open COVID-19: New Long Island Vaccine Pop-Up Sites Open
Covid-19: New Long Island Vaccine Pop-Up Sites Open New York state officials have announced a series of COVID-19 vaccination pop-up sites at a site on Long Island. Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 1, saying the sites are part of the state's #VaxtoSchool campaign to increase vaccination among school-aged children.  The four pop-up sites will provide vaccines for those ages 12 and older, and they will all be held at the New Hyde Park Fire Department, located at 15555 Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park. The pop-up sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for four straight days: Wednesday, Dec. 1 th…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
COVID-19: NY Sees 12-Percent, One-Week Statewide Increases In Cases; These Counties Hardest Hit COVID-19: NY Sees 12-Percent, One-Week Statewide Increases In Cases; These Counties Hardest Hit
Covid-19: NY Sees 12-Percent, One-Week Statewide Increases In Cases; These Counties Hardest Hit New York has seen a surge of new COVID-19 cases, despite an increase in vaccination rates, as the holiday season rapidly approaches. In the past week, New York reported a 12-percent increase in COVID-19 cases, largely due to a spike in cases upstate, where the positive infection rates have been on the rise. Two of New York’s 10 regions have seen their average seven-day positive COVID-19 infection rise above 6 percent, though downstate is largely containing the virus. Here are the latest seven-day average percentage of positive test results, according to the latest update from the New Yor…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: CDC Study Finds Vaccination Provides Greater Protection Than Prior Infection COVID-19: CDC Study Finds Vaccination Provides Greater Protection Than Prior Infection
Covid-19: CDC Study Finds Vaccination Provides Greater Protection Than Prior Infection COVID-19 vaccination provides stronger protection against hospitalization than immunity from a previous infection alone, according to a new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study examined 7,000 people across nine states who were hospitalized with symptoms similar to COVID-19, the CDC said in an announcement on Friday, Oct. 29. Researchers found that those who weren't vaccinated and had a recent COVID-19 infection were five times more likely to have contracted COVID-19 than those who were fully vaccinated and hadn't had a prior infection. Health of…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
COVID-19: Alert Issued For Text Message Phishing Scheme On Vaccine Verification COVID-19: Alert Issued For Text Message Phishing Scheme On Vaccine Verification
Covid-19: Alert Issued For Text Message Phishing Scheme On Vaccine Verification State officials are warning New Yorkers about a new scam where individuals attempt to steal information by pretending to be the state Department of Health attempting to validate COVID-19 vaccination status. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection issued the alert on Tuesday, Oct. 12, saying scammers are exploiting policies by employers requiring certain employees to be vaccinated.  The individuals text or email a fraudulent link asking people to enter their personal information.  Officials said anyone who receives these messages should immediately delete them. To prot…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees Infection-Rate Uptick; New Rundown Of Cases By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees Infection-Rate Uptick; New Rundown Of Cases By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees Infection-Rate Uptick; New Rundown Of Cases By Community Long Island reported more than 200 new COVID-19 infections in both Nassau and Suffolk counties as the region continues ramping up its vaccination program. The average seven-day positive COVID-19 infection rate of Long Islanders tested for the virus climbed to 2.77 in the latest update from the state Department of Health, up from 2.71 percent the previous day. Statewide, the positive infection rate continues to rise, up to 2.52 percent on Monday, Oct. 11, up for the fourth straight day. In Suffolk, 415 new COVID-19 infections were recorded, bringing the total to 236,248 since the pandemic b…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Holds Steady; New Case Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Holds Steady; New Case Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Holds Steady; New Case Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island continues to trend in the right direction, though both Nassau and Suffolk counties reported new virus-related death in the latest update from the Department of Health. In the past week, the average seven-day positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island has declined daily, from 2.99 percent on Friday, Oct. 1 down to 2.71 percent of those tested in the region on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Statewide, the positive infection rate is also dropping, from 2.45 percent to 2.43 percent during the same time frame, up slightly after declining for near…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Stays On Decline; New Case Rundown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Stays On Decline; New Case Rundown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Stays On Decline; New Case Rundown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island continues to decline, though multiple new virus-related deaths were reported in Suffolk County in the latest update from the Department of Health. After spiking above 4.15 percent recently, the average seven-day average positive infection rate for those tested for COVID-19 on Long Island is back on the decline over the weekend, from 2.99 percent on Friday, Oct. 1 to 2.97 percent the following day, and down to 2.92 percent of those tested on Sunday, Oct. 3.  Statewide, the positive infection rate is also dropping, from 2.45 percent to …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Pfizer Vaccine Booster Shots Now Available For Some Groups In NY COVID-19: Pfizer Vaccine Booster Shots Now Available For Some Groups In NY
Covid-19: Pfizer Vaccine Booster Shots Now Available For Some Groups In NY Some New Yorkers are now eligible to receive COVID-19 booster shots, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. During her latest COVID-19 briefing on Monday, Sept. 27, Hochul announced that Pfizer booster vaccine shots are available for specific groups of New Yorkers who are most at risk by the virus. The New York's Clinical Advisory Task Force has verified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation to allow booster shots for these groups of New Yorkers: Anyone 65 years and older; Residents between the ages of 50 and 64 with underlying medical conditions; New Yorkers between the a…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: NY Setting Up 120 Pop-Up Sites In Move To Get Young People Vaccinated COVID-19: NY Setting Up 120 Pop-Up Sites In Move To Get Young People Vaccinated
Covid-19: NY Setting Up 120 Pop-Up Sites In Move To Get Young People Vaccinated New York State is setting up 120 pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites in an effort to increase vaccination rates among younger residents. The State Department of Health will work with localities, health care centers and community-based organizations over the next 12 weeks to establish these sites, state officials announced on Tuesday, Sept. 21. Children ages 12 to 17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for those ages 12 to 15, and it is fully approved for people 16 years …

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by Nicole Valinote
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steady; New Case Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steady; New Case Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steady; New Case Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island is down for the third straight day, though multiple new virus-related deaths were reported in both Suffolk and Nassau counties. After spiking above 4.15 percent last week, the average seven-day average positive infection rate for those tested for COVID-19 on Long Island is back on the decline, from 3.85 percent on Saturday, Sept. 18, to 3.84 percent the following day and down to 3.80 percent on Monday, Sept. 20. Statewide, the COVID-19 rate has been fluctuating, from 2.99 percent to 2.95 percent and 2.98 percent over the same time frame. …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays At Steady Rate; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays At Steady Rate; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays At Steady Rate; New Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island is down for the third straight day, though new virus-related deaths were reported in both Suffolk and Nassau counties.  After rising to 4.18 percent on Monday, Sept. 13, the average seven-day average positive infection rate of those tested on Long Island dipped to 4.09 percent the following day, down to 4.06 percent on Wednesday, Sept. 15.  Following several days of seeing the infection rate drop, the statewide rate has risen from 3.11 percent to 3.16 percent in the latest update from the state Department of Health. In Suffolk, …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Vaccine Mandate 'Certainly An Option,' For Students In NY, Hochul Says COVID-19: Vaccine Mandate 'Certainly An Option,' For Students In NY, Hochul Says
Covid-19: Vaccine Mandate 'Certainly An Option,' For Students In NY, Hochul Says New York Gov. Kathy Hochul floated the idea of mandating children get vaccinated for COVID-19, though she said the decision will remain up to parents for the time being. Hochul said that she hasn’t ruled out a mandate for children between the ages of 12 and 17, as vaccination numbers in that demographic have been lagging. Among New Yorkers, just 61 percent of those between the ages of 12 and 17 have received a first dose of the vaccine, leaving approximately a half-million still without a shot. “(A vaccine mandate) is certainly an option, but I’m aware that it's something that parents are …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steadily High; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steadily High; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steadily High; New Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island remains high as new variants of the virus continue to mutate and spread across the country. After seeing a slight rise, the average seven-day positive infection rate on Long Island dipped to 4.33 percent of those tested on Thursday, Sept. 9, down slightly from the previous day, according to the New York State Department of Health. Statewide, the infection rate is also down, from 3.35 percent to 3.30 percent on Sept. 9. In Suffolk, 738 new COVID-19 infections were confirmed in the latest update from the state, with 545 new cases in Nassau,…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Study Reveals How Many More Times Unvaccinated Are Likely To Die From Virus, CDC Says COVID-19: Study Reveals How Many More Times Unvaccinated Are Likely To Die From Virus, CDC Says
Covid-19: Study Reveals How Many More Times Unvaccinated Are Likely To Die From Virus, CDC Says A newly released study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that Americans unvaccinated for COVID-19 are more than 10 times more likely to die from the virus. People not fully vaccinated against the virus are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and 11 times more likely to die, according to new major studies published on Friday, Sept. 10 by the CDC. "The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and death is higher in unvaccinated than vaccinated persons, and the incidence rate ratios are related to vaccine effectiveness,” researche…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steadily High; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steadily High; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Steadily High; New Breakdown By Community There was no time off for COVID-19 over Labor Day Weekend as the virus continues to surge across Long Island.  Over the holiday weekend, the seven-day average COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island rose from 4.23 percent on Friday, Sept. 3 to 4.31 percent the following day before dipping back down to 4.26 percent in the latest update from the New York State Department of Health. In Suffolk, 315 new infections were confirmed in the latest update from the state, while there were 239 in Nassau, bringing the totals to 219,702 and 200,720 respectively.  Six new virus-related deaths we…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
COVID-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing COVID-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing
Covid-19: NY Announces New School Guidelines For Masks, Social Distancing With schools ready to begin reopening, the New York State Department of Health has just laid out its guidance for mask-wearing and social distancing for students and staff. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the Public Health and Health Planning Council passed an emergency regulation and a determination was issued requiring all teachers, administrators, and other school employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing unless they show proof of vaccination. The emergency regulation authorizes the state Health Commissioner to require weekly testing or proof of vaccine…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Long Island Venue To Require Proof Of Vaccination Or Negative Test COVID-19: Long Island Venue To Require Proof Of Vaccination Or Negative Test
Covid-19: Long Island Venue To Require Proof Of Vaccination Or Negative Test A Long Island venue announced that guests must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test for entry beginning next month.  The Paramount in Huntington said it will begin implementing the policy, previously announced by Live Nation, on Monday, Oct. 4. Related - COVID-19: Live Nation To Require Proof Of Vaccination Or Negative Test For Guests, Employees Guests can either provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination at least two weeks after the final dose or a negative COVID-19 test from within 72 hours prior to entering the venue, The Paramount said. The Paramount said…

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by Nicole Valinote
Sports
COVID-19: Vaccination Status Factored Into Player Cuts, NFL Coach Says COVID-19: Vaccination Status Factored Into Player Cuts, NFL Coach Says
Covid-19: Vaccination Status Factored Into Player Cuts, NFL Coach Says The spotlight is on first-year NFL head coach Urban Meyer, who is facing scrutiny for admitting COVID-19 vaccination status had an impact on how he shaped his final roster in advance of the upcoming regular season. Meyer and Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke said this week that vaccination status impacted the cuts they made this past week while making final roster cuts to trim the roster down to the 53-man limit. Though vaccination status was considered in forming the roster, Meyer said it wasn’t a deciding factor, and production in practice and during the preseason also pla…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Those Not Vaccinated 11 Times More Likely To Be Hospitalized, NY DOH Study Says COVID-19: Those Not Vaccinated 11 Times More Likely To Be Hospitalized, NY DOH Study Says
Covid-19: Those Not Vaccinated 11 Times More Likely To Be Hospitalized, NY DOH Study Says A newly-released study by the New York State Department of Health found that unvaccinated adults were eight times more likely to be diagnosed with the COVID-19 and 11 times more likely to be hospitalized with the virus than those who are fully vaccinated. The study was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday, Aug. 18. It focused on the time period from May 3 through July 25. Researchers reported that during the time period, the majority of the new COVID-19 cases in New York were reported among unvaccinated residents. A total of 9,675 new cas…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Above 4 Percent; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Above 4 Percent; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Stays Above 4 Percent; New Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island fluctuated over the weekend but stayed above 4 percent as the region contends with the Delta variant of the virus that has been rapidly spreading. For four straight days, Long Island has seen the infection rate above the dubious 4 percent mark, though it dropped from 4.06 percent on Friday, Aug. 20, to 4.05 percent the following day, down to 4.01 percent as of Sunday, Aug. 22. Comparatively, statewide, the average infection rate is back on the rise, from 3.12 percent to 3.16 percent in the same time frame. In Suffolk, 409 new COVID-19 inf…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Climbs Over 4 Percent; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Climbs Over 4 Percent; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Climbs Over 4 Percent; New Breakdown By Community Long Island hit a dubious milestone as the battle against the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus rages forward. The average seven-day COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island of those tested jumped above 4 percent, to 4.07 percent on Thursday, Aug. 19, up from 3.96 percent the previous day, representing the first time the number topped that threshold in months. Statewide, the average infection rate is on the decline for the third straight day, from 3.16 percent on Tuesday, Aug. 17, to 3.15 the following day, to 3.13 percent on Aug. 19. In Suffolk, 568 new COVID-19 infections were confirmed,…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Infection-Rate Jump; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Infection-Rate Jump; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees New Infection-Rate Jump; New Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island took another jump over the weekend as local, state, and federal officials continue attempting to corral more transmissible variants of the virus that have been mutating and rapidly spreading. On Long Island, the average seven-day COVID-19 infection rate among those tested held steady at 3.69 percent on Friday, Aug. 13, and Saturday, Aug. 14 before jumping up to 3.84 percent on Sunday, Aug. 15.  As recently as three weeks ago, the infection rate was closer to 2 percent. Statewide, the positive infection rate jumped from 2.86 percent t…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Star Singer Fired From Hamptons Show For Vaccine Refusal COVID-19: Star Singer Fired From Hamptons Show For Vaccine Refusal
Covid-19: Star Singer Fired From Hamptons Show For Vaccine Refusal The show won't be going on for a Broadway star who refuses to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Singer Laura Osnes has been let go from a musical in the Hamptons because she refused to be vaccinated against the virus, according to reports. The two-time Tony nominee was scheduled to perform in front of a star-studded audience during a one-night production of “Crazy For You” at the Guild Hall in East Hampton on Sunday, Aug. 29, but she was fired for refusing to get vaccinated or to submit to a COVID-19 test. Performers and staff members are required to be vaccinated to submit to tests at the Guil…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Infection Rate Increase; Latest Case Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Infection Rate Increase; Latest Case Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees New Infection Rate Increase; Latest Case Breakdown By Community The COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island continues to rise, approaching 4 percent as variants of the virus continue to rage throughout the region. The seven-day average positive COVID-19 infection rate of those tested on Long Island has now risen from 3.50 percent on Friday, Aug. 6 to 3.58 percent the following day, and up to 3.59 percent on Sunday, Aug. 8.  A week ago, the infection rate was under 2 percent. Statewide, the positive infection rate jumped from 2.86 percent to 2.96 percent in that same time frame. One new virus-related fatality was reported in Suffolk County, bringin…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Holds Steady; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Holds Steady; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Holds Steady; New Breakdown By Community For the first time in weeks, Long Island saw a slight dip in the positive COVID-19 infection rate, though it still remains among the highest in the state, which is pushing the vaccine as variants of the virus accelerate the spread.  In the past week, according to the Department of Health, the seven-day average positive COVID-19 infection rate of those tested on Long Island has dramatically jumped from under 3 percent to 3.36 percent as of Thursday, Aug. 5, down from 3.37 percent the previous day. The infection rate is the third-highest of the state's 10 regions. Statewide, the positiv…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Jumps Up Again; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Jumps Up Again; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Jumps Up Again; New Breakdown By Community Alarm bells are sounding on Long Island as the number of new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to spike as New York fends off more transmissible variants of the virus. According to the Department of Health, the average seven-day positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island continues to rise, from 2.92 percent as recently as Saturday, July 31, spiking to 3.35 percent of those tested on Tuesday, Aug. 3.  The infection rate is the second-highest of the state's 10 regions. Statewide, the positive infection rate jumped from 2.46 percent to 2.70 percent in that same time …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Increases Again; New Breakdown By County, Community COVID-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Increases Again; New Breakdown By County, Community
Covid-19: Long Island Positive-Test Rate Increases Again; New Breakdown By County, Community Two new COVID-19-related deaths were reported on Long Island as the region's positive infection rate approaches 2.50 percent and the statewide average topped 2 percent for the first time in months. According to the Department of Health, the average seven-day positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island reached 2.42 percent on Tuesday, July 27 after hitting the 2 percent threshold last week. It had been below 1 percent for most of the spring and early summer. Statewide, the positive infection rate jumped from 1.97 percent on Monday, July 26 to 2.04 percent on July 27. The new virus-relat…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Spike In Cases; Latest Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Spike In Cases; Latest Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees New Spike In Cases; Latest Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island continues to surge as New York - and the rest of the country - battles the now-dominant Delta strain of the virus.   According to the Department of Health, the seven-day average positive-testing rate for those tested on Long Island rose for the 10th straight day, up to 2.36 percent on Monday, July 26, up from 2.08 percent on Friday, July 23. In the past week, the infection rate has risen more than .60 percent after COVID-19 numbers were below 1 percent for weeks for most of the spring and early summer. There was one new virus-re…

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by Zak Failla