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New York health department warns residents of rising COVID cases ahead of holiday weekend

New Yorkers urged to take COVID precautions during holidays 00:19

NEW YORK - The New York state Department of Health is warning residents of rising COVID cases as they prepare to travel and gather for the holidays this weekend.

Health officials are urging residents to take precautions, including getting vaccinated and boosted.

Vulnerable residents should also wear masks when gathering in indoor public spaces.

New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan also released the following statement:

"Holidays are a time of togetherness, love and reflection. We wish everyone a happy and — most of all — healthy holiday. To stay safe, the Health Department strongly recommends masking in public indoor settings, especially when in groups where other people's vaccination status is unknown. We also strongly recommend people get a COVID test before and after attending any gatherings, and certainly before choosing to remove your mask at a holiday gathering. Encourage your friends and loved ones you will see this weekend to get tested as well before you gather. To find a testing site near you, or where to obtain an at-home test kit, go to nyc.gov/covidtest or call 311. The Health Department wishes all New Yorkers joy, togetherness and good health."

COVID VACCINE

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