Ulster County's COVID Community Level Now 'High'

KINGSTON, NY — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated Ulster County’s COVID-19 community transmission level.

Ulster County Commissioner of Health Dr. Carol Smith said Friday, according to the CDC, the community transmission level is now “high.”

The increased number of COVID-19 positive cases in Ulster County and the mid-Hudson region is being attributed to the new omicron variant XBB 1.5.

“Therefore, I would like to remind Ulster County residents of the precautions they can take to protect themselves and their families,” Smith said.

The precautions are:

• Consider wearing a mask when indoors
• Maintain good ventilation and airflow in indoor spaces
• Test as soon as COVID symptoms are suspected
• Stay home when sick
• Follow the CDC’s recommendations for what to do if exposed to someone with COVID-19

Smith said, more importantly, to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including recommended booster doses.

Fully vaccinated people are less likely to experience severe disease requiring hospitalization, she said.

The Ulster County Department of Health conducts COVID vaccination clinics for individuals age 5 and up at the former Best Buy site at the Hudson Valley Mall.

COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are also widely available for children and adults at many area pharmacies, urgent care centers and doctor’s offices.

Find more information at the Ulster County Health Department website.