Health officials across New York state say they've seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. 

The New York state Department of Health says the latest numbers for the entire state show hospital admissions for COVID increased 22% compared to the previous week. One New York City health expert says the hot weather and air quality concerns could be a catalyst for this rise in cases.  "When taking into consideration the air pollution advisories as well as the most recent heat, people are more likely to stay indoors and that's really where viruses tend to spread very easily," said Dr. Elias Youssef, chief of the emergency department at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County. "We believe that that may have contributed to this most recent rise that we are seeing."

State health officials recommend that people remember that COVID is still here and take precautions.