Gov. Kathy Hochul is encouraging residents to keep up to date with their COVID-19 shots and the latest bivalent booster as the state lost another 30 residents to the virus on Dec. 30.
In a statement, Hochul said there are many tools to use, including testing for COVID-19 before traveling and following up with your doctor for treatment when testing positive.
"As New Yorkers warmly welcome a new year, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Hochul said in the statement.
The bivalent COVID-19 booster is available for children as young as 6 months old. The state health department said flu activity through Dec. 24 confirmed a 12th consecutive week of high rates of flu activity.