Covid-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Keep Rising in Broome County

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar says the next 90 days "are going to be critical" in the effort to fight the spread of Covid-19 infections.

Garnar on Tuesday reported 117 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the county, bringing the number of active local cases up to 669. He said it was one of the "rougher days in terms of numbers" since the pandemic began.

During his briefing for reporters, the county executive said a record number of people are hospitalized with Covid-19. He said there were a total of 87 coronavirus patients in locals hospitals. 54 of those are Broome County residents.

At least 154 people have died of Covid-19 in Broome County over the last nine months. Garnar said a temporary morgue has been set up in the county so there will be enough space to properly handle the bodies of those who die in coming weeks.

The county executive said emergency operations officials this week have moved over 200 additional beds to UHS and Lourdes hospitals as part of a "surge in place" directive issued by the state.

Garnar again urged Broome County residents to stay home if they are sick in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Officials expect the first vaccine doses to arrive in the county soon but they don't know exactly when that will happen.