There is a change this week to the way the Erie County Health Department tracks the spread of COVID-19 among those who test positive. The spread of the new OMICRON variant has overloaded the ability of the health department to individually track the virus.

In a Twitter thread late Sunday, the Erie County Health Department laid out their plan for contact tracing and how it is reported.

There is a change this week to the way the Erie County Health Department tracks the spread of COVID-19.

The positivity rate is soaring in Erie County as kids head back to school for the start of the new year. Test kits have been provided to local districts and either will be or have been distributed to the individual families. This is an added step that will hopefully keep students in the classrooms here in Western New York and across New York State. It is not required to test before coming to school but it is necessary to report positive cases. The new year has started with a new normal.

Bills playoff Gear For Sale

The Bills are in the playoffs and now you can buy playoff gear.

Buffalo's Defense Steps Up As Bills Now Playoff Bound [PHOTOS]

The Bills' defense stepped up big time as the Bills beat Atlanta and clinched a playoff spot.

More From 92.9 WBUF