BUFFALO, N.Y — Erie County and Monroe County leaders teamed up to urge the public to take precautions amid rising COVID-19 cases.

What You Need To Know

  • COVID cases and hospitalizations are on the rise in WNY and the Finger Lakes

  • County leaders held a joint press conference to raise awareness

  • Leaders say everyone should get vaccinated, wear a mask and get a booster shot if eligible

  • There are no plans of implementing mandates

The Western New York and Finger Lakes regions are seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. On Nov. 12, there were 714 new cases in Erie County in one day.

Heading into the holidays, county leaders are asking people to wear a mask, socially distance and get their booster shots, as well as their first dose if they have not already.

“I understand, pandemic fatigue is real,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “I'm feeling it too. And it’s intense. We are living through another holiday season in the shadow of this pandemic, but with one significant change: now we have a safe and effective vaccine to protect us all.”

Poloncarz said he does not have plans to issue any mandates. He is, however, encouraging people to get vaccinated.