Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio both addressed omicron, the new coronavirus variant, as it seems cases spreading in New York City is inevitable.

There are currently no reported cases of the new omicron variant in New York City, but that doesn't mean that elected officials aren't taking preventative measures in an effort to keep the variant at bay. Gov. Hochul and Mayor de Blasio are encouraging New Yorkers to go back to the basics - wear a mask and get vaccinated.

The governor says that they knew that a spike could happen this winter and just as they expected, studies are showing an increase in cases. Research has shown the new omicron variant is highly transmissible, but the governor says New York will continue, meaning no shutdowns in the state so that an economic recovery can continue.

They also encourage people to wash their hands and avoid large crowds.

The governor says that they knew that a spike could happen this winter and just as they expected, studies are showing an increase in cases. Research has shown the new omicron variant is highly transmissible, but the governor says New York will continue meaning no shutdowns in the state so that an economic recovery can continue.