Monroe County health officials are reporting an upturn in COVID-19 cases, but say there could be hope for the months ahead.
County Health Commissioner Dr.Michael Mendoza reported 205 new confirmed cases of COVID since the last update, and three new deaths. He said the positivity rate for the disease is back up to 2.2 percent, after dipping below one percent last month.
Dr. Mendoza says the good news is the benefit of the COVID vaccine, which is now clearly seen in the area. Cases and deaths in older adults who have been first in line for the vaccine are dropping significantly and are now just 13 percent of new cases. Younger populations who haven’t yet had a chance to get the vaccine are now the concern.