BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — During a COVID-19 update Monday New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced all elective surgeries in Erie County will be stopped as of Friday.
"Erie County has the most critical hospital situation in the state, so Erie County must stop elective surgery," Cuomo said.
The governor also announced five strategies the state will follow to address the impact of rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
- Focus on the number of hospitalizations and hospital capacity, the state's main concern.
- Increase and balance testing.
- Schools (K-8) remain open when safe.
- Small gatherings are number one cause for spread - alert the public.
- Prepare for vaccine distribution.
Also announced as part of the state's strategy is an emergency stop provision. This provision would be on top of a Yellow, Orange or Red Zone designation, and if a hospital system is overwhelmed the state could potentially implement NY on PAUSE or move the area from one zone to another.
