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New York City increased its COVID alert level from 'low' to 'medium' on Monday as cases increased beyond 200 per 100,000 people in the city.
The change marks the first time the city's COVID alert level has moved since Mayor Eric Adams' administration introduced the alert system this winter.
The new cases are driven largely by transmission in neighborhoods in Manhattan and Staten Island. Officials say Manhattan, however, has had a disproportionately large impact on the city's overall new case rate.
Case totals remain well below the peak of the Omicron variant-fueled surge seen in January.
Most importantly, in spite of the increase in cases, hospitalizations and COVID-related deaths remain on the decline.
An increase in alert level at this point is merely an advisory; there will be no new COVID protocols implemented, although New Yorkers are advised to exercise greater caution in public spaces.
People are advised to wear masks indoors, get vaccinated if they have not been vaccinated and get boosted if they are eligible.