Hochul Sounds COVID 'Alarm' Confirms New COVID Restrictions

Gov. Hochul says the surge in COVID cases is like an alarm going off. She announced new COVID restrictions and hinted more are coming.

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On Thursday Gov. Hochul confirmed new COVID restrictions and hinted more could be announced by Friday, or the near future.

Update: On Friday Hochul announced new COVID rules that impact every New Yorker and fines if caught breaking the rules. CLICK HERE to find out the details.

Hochul confirmed 5.0 percent of tests in the past 24 hours came back positive statewide and 54 more Empire State residents died from the virus.

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Over 92 percent of New Yorkers 18 and older have at least one vaccine dose. 79.7 of all New Yorkers have at least one dose.

Hochul also officially suspended elective surgeries at 32 New York hospitals. The new restrictions are due to hospital capacity concerns. The full list of the 32 hospitals are below.

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Nearly 3,500 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state. That's the highest number since April and an increase of 86 percent in the past month.

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"The surge in cases should be an alarm going off," Hochul said. "We know the tools to help stop the spread of this deadly virus and prevent people from getting seriously ill from COVID-19: Get vaccinated, get the booster shot, wear a mask. Let's use those tools to enjoy the holidays safely and finally put this pandemic in the rear-view mirror."

Elective surgeries have been suspended at these New York hospitals: