Almost seven full months have passed since the New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the ‘New York State on PAUSE’ Executive Order in March. Since then, over 36 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with the total amount of deaths worldwide passing one million. As of today, the United States alone accounts for about one-fifth of both cases and deaths.

With temperatures dropping and winter approaching, flu season is arriving, as well as a likely increase in infection rates in many states including New York.

It is more crucial now than ever to try to stay safe from not only the coronavirus but also other diseases such as the common cold, influenza, and pneumonia to lessen hospital crowding. When more patients need to go to the hospital, occupancy decreases, leaving some without the aid of medical professionals. 

Though the percentage of infected residents has been decreasing on Long Island, public health officials recommend caution and flu shots to lessen the burden on hospitals and avoid disease transmission to those who are ill-equipped to deal with the symptoms.