JAMESTOWN – The number of overall COVID-19 infections in Chautauqua County continued to decrease over the past week; however county health leaders say lagging vaccination rates continue to be a serious concern.
The County Health Department announced 689 new cases of the virus from Dec. 12 to Dec. 18 in an update on Wednesday morning. In addition, 13 new death were reported.
As for hospitalizations, 41 people remain hospitalized nearly 70 percent of those are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Overall, 602 cases remain active, a drop from last week.
“I’m very concerned that as people gather for the holidays, especially indoors, we’re going to see an even bigger surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths than we’re seeing after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Public Health Director Christine Schuyler in a statement.
Schuyler’s message is simple: get vaccinated and wear a mask, spread holiday cheer and not COVID-19.
“Similar to the Clean Indoor Air Act, businesses and other public venues are required to adhere to the determination and we’re confident they will do so as it is the right thing to do for the common good,” continued Schuyler.
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