Omicron Variant in Westchester, Latimer Signs State of Emergency
Not a surprise, but the omicron variant of COVID has come to Westchester County, and in a related action, County Exec and Rye guy George Latimer has signed a State of Emergency.
“Earlier this afternoon we were informed that there is a confirmed case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Westchester County,” said Latimer. “The positive case is in a 13-year-old Westchester County resident. We are concerned about this discovery, and are closely monitoring the situation. With the new variant circulating, the best way we can protect our families and ourselves is by being vaccinated, and by getting a booster shot if you are eligible.”
State of Emergency Executive Order simply allows Latimer and the County to take future actions to protect public health such as mask mandates. No new actions have been issued.
COVID cases in Rye are on the rise. The schools announced ten new cases Monday night across all five Rye public school buildings, and the County COVID-19 dashboard on Tuesday shows 96 active cases in Rye, including 11 new daily cases. Rye has a cumulative total of 1,837 cases across its population of 15,000.