Reported cases of the Omicron Variant have risen to 8 counts, with seven people reported to be in NYC and one in Suffolk county. Governor Kathy Hochul has authorized the re-direction of hospital resources to serve emergencies and to limit elective and non-urgent procedures to mitigate the already heavy burden on healthcare. Hospital beds and resources are stretching thin throughout the state, despite deployment of the National Guard to support healthcare staff in Western New York after the declaration of a state of emergency. So far, the surging cases are thought to be due to the Delta variant and not Omicron.
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