COVID-19 cases are rising in New York City and city leaders are taking notice. The city’s Department of Health tweeted Friday asking New Yorkers to mask up indoors and outside in crowded areas.

Data from the governor’s office shows New York City’s seven-day positivity rate at over 9%, the second highest region in the state.

What You Need To Know

  • A surge in COVID-19 cases led to the NYC Department of Health to recommend New Yorkers wear masks indoors and outside in large crowds

  • Data shows cases rising as the newest Omicron subvariant, BA.5, becomes more prevalent

  • Health experts are concerned this new subvariant is more contagious as well as more resistant to vaccines and past infections

According to city data, COVID-19 cases increasing, but right now it’s not as high as past waves.  

Medical experts say they’re concerned about this latest Omicron subvariant, BA.5, making the rounds. It’s believed to be more contagious, as well as more resistant to our vaccines. People who have come down with the virus already are also more susceptible to reinfection.

Dr. Jay Varma, who was a COVID-19 adviser for former Mayor Bill de Blasio, told “Inside City Hall” that New Yorkers need to carry high-quality masks.  

“If you’re in a situation where you want to reduce your risk and it’s important,” he said. “I understand there are many people who are tired of that.”

A new study showed the more times people get reinfected with COVID-19, the higher their chance for health issues, ranging from heart to lung to neurological.   

Hospitalizations are still down, but as with past increases, the rise in hospitalizations could come a few weeks after the cases go up, according to city data.