The New York City Department of Health reports that COVID-19 cases are on the rise as a new variant emerges.

According to the Health Department, the current seven-day average of cases in the Bronx is at 11%. Cases have almost doubled since July 28 and nearly tripled since June 28 when the seven-day average was 2.5%.

In Brooklyn, the Health Department reports that the current average of COVID-19 cases is at 12.5%, compared to two months when cases were at 3.1%.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging New Yorkers to use caution, especially with the new BA 2.86 variant.

"I always wear my mask, especially me, I'm 72 years old," says Mayra Rodriguez, of the Bronx. I've been vaccinated, but even then, we still need to protect ourselves, our households and our neighbors."

Gov. Kathy Hochul's office says wastewater in New York has been searched over the last six months to confirm the strain was not detected in New York and will continue to be monitored.

The CDC advises people to stay up to date on vaccines, use masks and tests and stay home if you have symptoms.