Health Officials Brace for Post-Superbowl COVID Case Spike

As COVID infection rates have been slowing since the holiday surge, health officials are bracing to see what happens in the next week or two following the Superbowl.

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While the biggest jump in illness is expected in Florida, host to the big game and numerous parties where people were crowded into bars without face coverings, state and local officials here at home also fear in-home parties and gatherings at bars will translate to an increase in cases.

Over the weekend, New York State reported 10,025 new positive test results and 143 more deaths related to COVID-19 but infections were reported at the lowest rate since Thanksgiving.

In Broome County, an update February 7 from the County executive reported 46 additional cases for a total of about 12,816.  Three additional deaths were reported since February 4: three women in their 60s, 70s and 90s passed away bringing Broome County’s death toll since the start of the pandemic to 272.

Chenango County reported 29 new cases on February 5 for a total of 2,175. There have been 47 deaths.  Cortland County February 7 reported 3,333 total cases, an increase of 15 from February 6. There have been 61 deaths.  Delaware County added ten cases to its total on February 6 for 1,265. There was one additional death for a total of 39 COVID fatalities and Tioga County also reported another death over the weekend. A resident who was not in a nursing home passed away bringing Tioga County’s death toll to 68. There were 18 cases added in Tioga for a total of 2,631.

Broome County's mobile rapid testing site remains at MacArthur Park through February 12 by appointment only and only for residents who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.  Make an appointment online at www.gobroomecounty.com or by calling 211 if you don't have access to a computer.