ROCHESTER, N.Y. — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was in Western New York Wednesday to discuss the latest COVID-19 efforts in New York State.
Cuomo was in Rochester to discuss the state's COVID-19 response and to distribute turkeys at the Baber AME Church.
During the news conference, the governor addressed the current situation in Erie County. Earlier in the week Cuomo had warned that parts of Erie County are on track to be upgraded from an Orange Zone to a Red Zone; however, it appears the area will not change zones just yet.
The governor says the state will be watching the numbers in Western New York saying, "We're going to watch through this Thanksgiving season."
Cuomo added, "This is where I think — if we're going to get into trouble — you're going to see it, a few days, seven days, after this Thanksgiving weekend."
The governor stressed that this is not a normal Thanksgiving, he further illustrated that this year hasn't been normal. Cuomo says New Yorkers cannot let their guards down during the holiday, stressing that everyone needs to "stay smart." He told New Yorkers to celebrate, but to "celebrate with people in your household."
"We have to work together to keep the infection rate down through the Thanksgiving holiday," Cuomo said.
Cuomo reiterated his comments from last week saying Western New York has not been hit as hard by the pandemic as downstate New York, further stating that the pandemic has been tragic everywhere.
"Did we lose people in Buffalo? Yes," Cuomo said. "Did we lose as many people in Buffalo as a matter of percentage as we've lost in New York City? No. Was the problem much worse in New York City? Yes. Did people feel it more intensely in New York City because the numbers were so much higher? Yes. That's just on the numbers."
Cuomo added, "Thankfully Buffalo was not hit as hard as New York City, and I want to make sure it stays that way."
Daily COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise in the WNY Region.
The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on Tuesday, November 25 was 337, up 21 from the day before. Of those, 65 were in the ICU. That was up four from the previous day.
The governor also added that the state has been advised to conduct a winter plan, which will add factors to the Yellow, Orange and Red zones. Under this winter plan, Cuomo says the state would prioritize high infection rates with high hospitalization rates to ensure that hospitals do not get overwhelmed. This plan would be in effect for December, January and February.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
• The air by coughing or sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Eat and sleep separately from your family members
• Use different utensils and dishes
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, hot your hand.
• If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
Lower your risk
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.