New York Attorney General Letitia James has slammed Governor Kathy Hochul over her alleged failure to address the COVID-19 crisis in the state.
James, who announced her bid for governor just three weeks ago, argues that with rising cases rates in upstate New York, state leadership needs to 'take immediate action to bring the infection rates under control and help stop future surges before they happen'.
'State government is failing to act to address the COVID crisis in some of the most vulnerable communities in New York state - this past week, the 7-day average percentage of positive test results increased from 8.87 percent to 9.48 percent in Western NY. Rates are also above 8 percent in the Finger Lakes,' she said.
The attorney general said it was 'troubling' that despite vaccine accessibility, some regions in New York are currently reporting hospitalization rates that exceed numbers from last year.
James said the government needs to take action: 'It is time to act now to save lives. Anything short of bold action is unacceptable.'
New York Attorney General Letitia James (pictured) has slammed Governor Kathy Hochul over her alleged failure to address the COVID-19 crisis in the state
State data released Sunday revealed a seven-day positivity average of 6,177 cases or 9.48 percent, with a peak of 7,971 positive cases reported on Wednesday.
In the last two weeks, the positivity rate has increased by 52 percent. There was also an 11 percent in hospitalizations across the state.
Over the same time period, reported COVID deaths declined by 11 percent.
In wake of the current trends, James posed several potential solutions to prevent another surge throughout the state.
She argued that New York utilize trusted community partners to educate citizens living in vaccine-hesitant areas, create census-style outreach outside of major cities and expand pop-up and mobile vaccination sites.
The attorney general also encouraged the government to use state funds to secure millions of at-home COVID tests and offer financial incentives to get the jab.
State data released Sunday revealed a seven-day positivity average of 6,177 cases or 9.48 percent, with a peak of 7,971 positive cases reported on Wednesday
James argued as case rates rise upstate, New York leadership needs to 'take immediate action to bring the infection rates under control and help stop future surges before they happen'
Additionally, she criticized state leaders over low booster shot rates.
'As of last week, New York had among the lowest rates of residents who had received booster shots in the country,' James said. 'This is unacceptable and New York must increase outreach to encourage boosters for New Yorkers.'
She continued: 'The state should also begin offering daily booster reporting by county and region.'
Meanwhile, Hochul reported Sunday that 89.9 percent of adult New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the vaccine. 76.9 percent of all eligible residents have gotten at least one shot.
96,564 vaccine doses were administered
