New York sees signs of Omicron coronavirus peak, though ICUs remain pressured
- There has been a fall in the rate of positive Covid-19 tests, as well as a drop in the number of people visiting emergency departments with symptoms
- New Yorkers warned to expect a tough January but a better February, as cases and hospitalisations typically remain high for weeks after a peak
New York’s Covid-19 infections may have reached a peak, about a month after the city’s first case of the Omicron variant was identified.
The seven-day average of people visiting New York emergency departments with Covid-like illness has dipped significantly in all five boroughs since the end of December, according to data from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The Bronx saw the biggest drop, with the seven-day average retreating 35 per cent in the week through Friday.
Citywide, the rate of positive tests also appears to be declining, with the seven-day average down to 31 per cent on Thursday, from a peak of 34 per cent on January 2.
New York officials warned the recent data is subject to revisions and is affected to a degree by the holiday effect, which can artificially depress trend lines due to delays or under-reporting. Gatherings during the New Year’s Eve holiday could also prolong the Covid-19 spike.