There was some good news in regard to Thursday’s updated COVID-19 numbers from the Chautauqua County Health Department.

According to the Centers of Disease Control, the level of transmission of the virus has been downgraded from high to substantial. The bad news, however, was a new death, an additional 31 cases — with 116 active — for a 8,914 since the pandemic began in March 2020.

There have been 8,649 recoveries and 149 total deaths. Also, those hospitalized are at 13, up from the previous 12. The seven-day positivity rate is 1.6% and of the new cases, 11 are from Jamestown.

State positivity rates were below 2% and on Thursday, sites opened to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot.

In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccinefinder.org to find information on vaccine appointments near them.