Suffolk Reporter

On May 13, 2024, Suffolk County reported the latest information related to COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) stated that hospital admission rates and the percentage of COVID-19 deaths among all deaths are now the primary surveillance metrics.

The daily hospitalization summary for Suffolk County showed that 31 individuals were hospitalized, with 52% of them admitted due to COVID-19 or its complications. There were 16 new admissions since the last report, while 14 patients were discharged. Two patients remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It should be noted that hospitals no longer report data to NYSDOH on weekends or holidays.

As of May 13, there have been a total of 5,284 fatalities since March 2020, with no increase since the last report. The annual breakdown is as follows:

2020: 2,311

2021: 1,507

2022: 1,015

2023: 318

2024: To date -138

The COVID-19 case tracker reported that on May 11, there were 45 cases at a rate of 2.9 per 100k; this increases to a seven-day average of 3.3 when including reported PCR and antigen tests. As of September 1, 2023, positive results represent all positive tests reported to New York State, including both first infections and reinfections.

The department offers COVID vaccines to uninsured and underinsured patients through New York State's Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program also known as the Bridge Access Program. Those with insurance coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to receive their vaccines at local pharmacies, healthcare provider offices or local federally qualified health centers.

Free COVID-19 testing is available along with wastewater surveillance which can be accessed at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-wastewater-surveillance.