Health officials are urging residents to use health safety measures as New York City reaches a medium risk level of COVID-19 infections.

New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan says the coming weeks could be critical in bringing the city back down to a low risk level by taking extra precautions.

According to city data, western sections of the Bronx have seen the highest increases in COVID-19 cases, including Fieldstone and Riverdale. In Brooklyn, the East New York section is the biggest hotspot.

Vasan says the city as a whole has surpassed a rate of 200 cases per 100,000 people.

Family practitioner Dr. Ryan Light says while this may be the endemic phase of COVID-19, it's still important to try to stay healthy.

“We will see some surges in cases, but as long as we don't see hospitalizations, then we should be good,” Light says. “Where the pandemic is, it's more of an endemic, meaning we're going to just have to learn to live with it. But if you haven't been vaccinated, just get vaccinated now.”

Light recommends that residents continue practicing COVID-19 safety measures, such as avoiding large groups and washing your hands.