Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County released its latest COVID-19 update on May 14, 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now considers hospital admission rates and the percentage of COVID-19 deaths among all deaths as the primary surveillance metrics.

On May 14, Suffolk County reported that 35 individuals were hospitalized, with 49% of these due to COVID-19 or complications related to the virus. There were six new admissions since the last report, no discharges, and one patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However, it should be noted that hospitals no longer report data to NYSDOH on weekends or holidays.

As for fatalities, there have been a total of 5,284 since March 2020. There was no increase in this number since the last report. The annual breakdown is as follows: 2,311 in 2020; 1,507 in 2021; 1,015 in 2022; 318 in 2023; and so far in 2024, there have been 138 fatalities.

In terms of case tracking, on May 11, there were reported to be 37 cases at a rate of approximately 2.4 cases per every hundred thousand people. This increases to an average of about three cases per hundred thousand over a seven-day period when including both reported PCR and antigen tests.

It's important to note that as of September 1, 2023, positive results represent all positive tests reported to New York State. This includes both first infections and reinfections. Prior to this date, reinfections were reported on a separate dashboard which has now been archived.

Regarding vaccination information and clinics offered by the department for 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 covering the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to receive their vaccines at local pharmacies, healthcare providers' offices, or local federally qualified health centers.

Free COVID-19 tests are also available. More information can be found on the New York State Department of Health's website.