Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County released its latest COVID-19 update on April 10, 2024, highlighting key information related to the ongoing pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospital admission rates and the percentage of COVID-19 deaths among all deaths are now the primary surveillance metrics.

The report provided insights into COVID-19 hospitalizations for the week ending March 30, 2024, revealing that there were 94 new hospital admissions of confirmed COVID-19 patients. The data showed a -11.3% percent change in hospital admissions from the previous week, with a rate of 3.3 hospital admissions per 100,000 people. The overall COVID-19 hospital admissions level was classified as low.

On April 10, 2024, Suffolk County reported that 35 individuals were hospitalized, with 69% of them admitted due to COVID-19 or complications of the virus. Additionally, there were 5 new admissions since the last report, while 6 patients were discharged. Among the hospitalized individuals, 6 were in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

It is important to note that hospitals in Suffolk County are no longer reporting data to the New York State Department of Health on weekends or holidays.

Regarding fatalities, Suffolk County has recorded a total of 5,276 COVID-19-related deaths since March 2020, with an increase of 1 reported since the last update. The annual breakdown of fatalities is as follows: 2,311 in 2020, 1,507 in 2021, 1,015 in 2022, 318 in 2023, and 130 to date in 2024.

In terms of COVID-19 testing, Suffolk County reported 63 new first-time cases on April 8, 2024, with a rate of 4.1 cases per 100,000 people and a 7-day average of 3.3 cases. The data includes reported PCR and antigen tests.

The update also provided information on COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in New York, encouraging uninsured and underinsured individuals to access vaccines through state programs. Those with insurance coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine were advised to receive their shots at local pharmacies, healthcare providers' offices, or federally qualified health centers.

The ongoing monitoring and reporting of COVID-19 data and surveillance remain crucial in Suffolk County as efforts continue to combat the spread of the virus and protect public health.