COVID positivity climbs in NYC, push for increased testing on Staten Island
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ST. GEORGE, Staten Island (WABC) -- Fears about a second wave of the coronavirus are growing in New York City.
Mayor Bill de Blasio warns that the rates need to stop climbing now, or residents should brace for new restrictions and closures.
On Wednesday, New York City reported a 2.61 percent daily positivity rate, the highest since June.
RELATED: Hot spot changes made in Brooklyn, but mayor still warns of '2nd wave'
Staten Island is of particular concern with the positivity rates in Great Kills reaching as high as 5.44%.
Over the past 10 days, parts of Staten Island have had 7-day average positivity rates above 2.5 percent, and cases per 100,000 and new daily hospital admissions have increased, meeting the metrics for a yellow zone designation.
As a result, all Catholic elementary schools in the Staten Island region will transition to remote learning starting Thursday.
Meanwhile, volunteers fanned the borough, urging people to get tested, and wear a mask.
They could be found at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and also in several shopping centers, again offering PPE, information, and testing.
In Southern Brooklyn, which also recently saw a rise in cases, those red zones have now turned into orange warning zones after showing improvement.
That means some non-essential businesses can reopen and the city hopes they'll see the same results on Staten Island if people do their part.
RELATED: Cuomo says vaccine distribution will be a slow process
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene updated its data by zip code.
- Seven day average of percent positive by zip code
- Weekly counts of cases and persons tested by zip code
- More refined age breakdowns and trend data
The Mayor also provided guidance for the upcoming holidays.
- Safer holiday activities; get creative and stay smart, stick to core four
- Religious services: go virtual or outside
- Gatherings: know your own and others' risk, keep it small, outdoors is safer
- Travel: stay local, travel safely, get tested and quarantine after travel
Find a testing location near you.
MORE NEWS: New Jersey targets indoor dining, bars, casinos amid rising COVID-19 rates
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