NYC Sees 43K New COVID-19 Cases In Single Day, Governor Says

NEW YORK CITY — Omicron numbers in New York spiked yet again with nearly 44,000 city dwellers testing positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.

This represents an exponential leap as earlier in the week Mayor Bill de Blasio reported the daily rate of new cases was about 21,000.

Statewide, more than 74,207 New Yorkers tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, the governor said.

"As the New Year approaches, it's more important than ever that we take the necessary precautions to keep each other safe in the face of the COVID winter surge," Gov. Hochul said.

"It's up to all of us to make 2022 a safer, healthier year than 2021 was - get vaccinated, get boosted, mask up, and avoid large indoor public gatherings when possible."

The state data did not include local data beyond new case numbers and rates, but City Council Member Mark Levine warned New Yorkers Thursday that city hospitals were "getting hit hard."

The recent surge in omicron cases has seen hospitalizations mount specifically among the city's youngest citizens.

The Department of Corrections reported nearly a third of city jailers called in sick Wednesday and the MTA was forced to suspend two subway lines Thursday because of COVID-19-related staffing shortages.

This new record-breaking number arrived as the city prepares to usher a new administration into City Hall.

Mayor-elect Eric Adams, who will be inaugurated during the Times Square New Years Eve festivities, unveiled Thursday his plans to fight the surge of COVID-19, which includes maintaining a vaccine mandate, according to reports.

The city has struggled to provide adequate testing to New Yorkers during the holiday season but has amped up its efforts in recent days.

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