Gov. Warns of Another Lock Down in NY if COVID Rates Don't Drop

Another lockdown is possible if COVID rates don't start dropping in New York State.

Governor Kathy Hochul is warning of putting more protocols in place if the coronavirus continues to spread.

The numbers are far too high. So I'm giving everybody a chance. I'm getting the word out, saying this is reaching a situation that is untenable.

So how do you get rid of this pandemic? Governor Hochul says more people need to be vaccinated and get the booster if they haven't gotten it yet. Over 28.5 million vaccine doses have been administered in New York state with more than 67% of people being fully vaccinated.

This Delta variant took us all by surprise. It is raging. It is still out there and still virulent. And we cannot ignore this as much as we have.

Local health departments and county executives are being asked to take steps towards implementing additional protocols to stop the spread, including wearing a mask indoors, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings and indoor spaces. If COVID numbers don't start trending down, Governor Hochul says state officials could consider another lockdown.

We're not coming in to be heavy-handed and dictatorial. We want to liberate local governments to do what they do best, but be there as their allies at their sides to make sure that they have all the resources they need, whatever approach they want to take.

The statewide COVID rates have risen from 3.21% to 3.40% in three days. The highest rates are in the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions.