US Hits 1 Million Pandemic Deaths, Hudson Valley Toll: 5,708

HUDON VALLEY, NY — The nation marked 1 million deaths due to COVID-19 this week, and in the Hudson Valley, the pandemic death toll stood at 5,708 as of Thursday.

Fatalities by county of residence

• Dutchess County: 659
• Orange: 953
• Putnam: 125
• Rockland: 897
• Ulster: 354
• Westchester: 2,720

Among the states, New York has the 13th highest death rate, according to statista.com.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, herself diagnosed with COVID-19, urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant and look out for each other.

"Today, our country marks an unthinkable milestone - one million lives lost due to COVID-19. These were mothers, fathers, children, siblings, friends and neighbors, and I don't want any more New Yorkers to go through the pain of losing a loved one to this awful virus," she said in a statement Friday. "Thankfully, we have the tools to fight COVID-19 and save lives. Vaccines and boosters are effective and provide the highest level of protection. More than 3 in 4 of all New Yorkers are fully vaccinated, and over half of all eligible New Yorkers have received a booster dose -- but that still isn't enough.

"I encourage every New Yorker ages 5 and over to get vaccinated, and every New Yorker ages 12 and older to also get their booster doses if eligible. I know first-hand how tests can help stop the spread to our vulnerable loved ones, so be sure to get tested, and if you test positive, ask your doctor immediately about getting treatment."

New York's numbers continue to tick upward: As of Wednesday, the state had a 7-day average of 51 cases per 100,000 residents, compared with just 8.2 cases per 100,000 on March 11.

Cases are going up slightly in the Hudson Valley as well.