By Dan Murphy
Westchester County Executive George Latimer gave residents an important update on Nov. 29 regarding COVID vaccination rates, booster shots, immunizing students and the new Omicron variant that has yet to be detected in Westchester, New York state or the USA as of Nov. 30.
“Omicron has generated real concern. We can’t overreact to bad news or good news; we have to keep a steady hand. The single most important reason to fight COVID is to prevent people from dying. We have had 2356 total deaths in Westchester, but 2 fatalities over the past two weeks and 3 fatalities over the past three weeks,” said Latimer who also added that hospitalizations from COVID stand at 52, compared to a peak of 108 a few months ago during the Delta Variant and 244 hospitalizations in Nov. of 2020 before a vaccine was available. “We have had a low level of fatalities and hospitalizations even though we have had an increase in infections.”
Both Latimer and Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler attribute the fact that hospitalizations and fatalities are low to the fact that 92.2% of eligible Westchester residents over the age of 18 are vaccinated. And both Latimer and Dr. Amler continued to push for more county residents to get vaccinated and for residents to get their third booster shot if they can.
“When someone tells me we are in a crisis situation and need to react, we have 52 people hospitalized, a year ago we have 244 hospitalizations, and now we have vaccines, a key tool,” said Latimer, who said that Westchester’s 92.2% vaccination rate, for adults 18 years and older, is “dramatically different than in other parts of the state.” With COVID’s vaccination rates in neighboring counties, Putnam, 86.9%, the Bronx 86.6%, and Rockland 81.5%, and with vaccination rates in update and western NY at lower levels, Westchester County is one of the safest places to be, and much of the reason is for the successful outreach by your county government to make sure that 9 out of 10 residents are vaccinated, and that vaccines are readily available across the county.
“We have a total capacity of 2700 hospital beds. With only 52 COVID hospitalizations, we are in a much better position that other areas of the state and of our neighboring counties,” said Latimer, who urged Westchester residents to “calm down when you turn on the TV and hear the latest news. We have been at this for almost two years, and we don’t know how long its going to be. Don’t take extreme measures until we know that they are necessary. We have been getting good solid compliance in the county,” said Latimer.
Dr. Amler said “there are many unknowns about the Omicron variant and there is still a lot that we don’t know. Our concerns are, is it going to be more transmissible than Delta, and can this new variant evade or escape the vaccines that most of us have taken.
Dr. Amler said that the symptoms for Omicron are the same as other COVID variants, fatigue, headache, and pain, and she encouraged Westchester residents to get vaccinated and if your second vaccination has been more than six months ago, to get a booster, and for children ages 5-11 to get vaccinated.
“The best thing we can do is the same thing we have been doing for the past two years; social distance, wear masks and wash our hands. All these things need to be done to keep our population as safe as possible,” said Amler.
While Westchester County’s major vaccination site, at the County Center in White Plains, has closed, the County Department of Health has opened satellite vaccination centers, and local pharmacies and medical offices are now providing vaccines and booster shots. The County DOH is also providing vaccinations at pop up locations in school districts across the county. For more information on satellite vaccine locations visit Westchestergov.com.
Latimer said that Westchester County “will do all of the things that have to be done and will adjust depending on the numbers.” Indoor mask mandates, vaccination requirements, a partial shutdown and a complete shutdown are all steps that may or may not be taken. Other counties in New York State, including Erie County in Western NY, have begun to mandate masks.
“These more extreme steps, if the crisis is so clear and present that it justifies it, we will look at it and assess our next steps.” Latimer added that of the 52 people who are hospitalized due to COVID, two-thirds are either unvaccinated or unknown if they are vaccinated.
“This is a matter of prudent risk. We continue to take an active, aggressive role in making vaccinations available to anyone eligible. 8% of Westchester residents are not vaccinated at any level.”
Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “The best way to keep us safe is for everyone to get vaccinated and to get a booster.”
Upcoming vaccination dates include: Dec 4-at 134 Court Street, White Plains, from 10am-2pm, and Monday Dec. 6, at 134 Court Street. You can walk in or make an appointment by visiting. https://health.westchestergov.com/.
