Deaths attributed to COVID-19 have doubled in New York State. According to the most recent COVID-19 data released by NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's office on Sunday, August 8, 2021, deaths caused by the virus have increased from five to 11 over the course of seven days. On Saturday, August 7, there were 11 deaths reported. Although 11 deaths is not a large number, each of those people has loved ones who will miss them dearly and it demonstrates that things are getting worse, not better.

A week ago, on August 2, there were five COVID-19-related deaths in New York, according to data from the Governor's Office.

The total number of positive tests reported yesterday was 3,467. On August 3, the total number of positive tests reported was 2,932. That's an increase of 535 over the course of a week. To put it in perspective, a month ago on July 9, the state reported that there were 3 COVID-19 deaths (for the day before - July 8) and 817 tests were positive. Positive tests are coming back at a rate of four times what they were a month ago.

Governor Cuomo says that getting vaccinated is the key to protecting New Yorkers from the Delta variant,

"Our comeback is a testament to our resilience, but the reality is the Delta variant continues to be a serious threat, especially for the people who are still unvaccinated. The best way to protect ourselves and the progress we've made against COVID is for everyone to take the vaccine as soon as possible. If you still need to get your shot, you can do so at any vaccination site in the state - with no fees and no questions asked."

New Yorkers Protected Against Delta Variant If They Received This Vaccine

According to Time Magazine, a new study reports results that indicate the Johnson and Johnson vaccine provides effective protection against the Delta variant. The study was conducted in South Africa and involved 480,000 health workers. Part of the findings of the study indicate,

The single-dose shot was 71% effective against hospitalization and as much as 96% effective against death. It also demonstrated durability of eight months.

The research from the study also suggested that people who took the J & J vaccine don't need a booster shot to help the vaccine protect them against the Delta variant.

New Yorkers can access the vaccine by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX or visiting the http://vaccines.gov/ website.

If you are interested in getting vaccinated, the Erie County Department of Health has several pop-up vaccination events coming up:

Monday, August 9, 2021
ECC South (4041 Southwestern Blvd - Bldg 7 - Old DMV, Orchard Park, NY 14127) from 9 am to 4pm.

Tuesday, August 10, 2021
ECC South (4041 Southwestern Blvd - Bldg 7 - Old DMV, Orchard Park, NY 14127) from 9 am to 4pm.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021 to Sunday, August 22, 2021
Erie County Fair (5600 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg, NY 14075) from 11 am to 10 pm daily. The clinic will be located across from the Market Place. You will need to pay for admission to the fair, but you'll get a $5 food voucher for getting vaccinated.

Saturday, August 14, 2021
Northtown Community Center (1615 Amherst Manor Dr, Williamsville, NY 14221) from 8 am to 12 pm. At this pop-up event, only the Pfizer vaccine will be administered.

Saturday, August 21, 2021
New Hope Baptist Church (2090 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14211) from 12 pm to 7 pm.

Sunday, August 29, 2021
Canalside (44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202) from 11 am to 3 pm.

You can also get a vaccine at home by calling (716)858-2929 or visiting http://erie.gov/vax, which is also where you can register for any of the pop-up events above.

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