The Omicron variant continues to surge with record-setting positivity rates, and more than 90,000 New Yorkers tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. Half of these cases were in New York City.
With the winter surge well underway, dozens of testing and vaccination sites across the city are still jabbing away as fast as they can, trying to get the vaccine and booster into as may arms as possible.
With positivity rates breaking records across the state, data shows the highest number of positive tests in the past three days are in the Bronx.
As of Friday, almost 26% of people who've been tested in the Bronx are positive, while the number is closer to 20% in Brooklyn.
This is lower than the statewide average between 21% and 22%.
COVID booster shots have finally been approved for everyone ages 12 years old and up and for immuno-compromised children ages five years old to 11. This comes as Gov. Kathy Hochul reported Saturday that more than 108,000 vaccine doses were given to New Yorkers of all ages on Friday alone.
That means now 90% to 95% of all adults in the state have at least one dose of the vaccine. Health officials say these promising numbers can't come fast enough as the Omicron variant rips through the country.
New York state reported that the Omicron variant was responsible for 94% of new cases from Christmas Eve up through Thursday.
For anyone who wants to vaccinate their children ages five years old to 11 years old or get the booster for their kids ages 12 years old and up, the state recommends to call their pediatrician to find the site closest to you.