COVID-19 cases are dwindling in county

“Our biggest concern is the lack of ICU (intensive care unit) beds in the state, which has caused local hospitals to hold patients that would typically be sent for a higher level of care,” said CEO John McReynolds. “The bed capacity issue is partially related to COVID, but respiratory illnesses and workforce shortages also impact the number of beds available.”

It’s a similar situation in Brewster at Three Rivers Hospital where there have only been a few positive COVID test results in the last two months. Most people are testing at home or testing through their clinic, the hospital said.

Three Rivers Hospital has treated patients in the emergency room or admitted them to acute care if their symptoms require it. However, this is not a common occurrence anymore.

“We hope people continue to practice good hygiene and be cautious about exposing others when they aren’t feeling well,” said spokeswoman Jennifer Best.

While COVID cases are dwindling, officials said the virus is still a concern and is something people should be mindful of when they go in public. It is not as rampant as it has been in recent years, but individuals are still encouraged to be vaccinated and to keep up with proper hygiene and proper social distancing practices if symptoms are present.

Three Rivers Family Medicine still offers the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and the updated booster. The booster vaccine is more effective against Omicron variants, officials said. Most patients in 2023 who are presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 are not nearly as sick as they used to be three years ago, and treatment options are readily available.