Christine Schuyler, the county’s public health director, noted earlier this week that COVID-19 was still “surging” in the community. Information released Wednesday by the county Department of Health confirms that is still very much the case.

The county averaged more than 124 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 last week, continuing what has been a recent avalanche of people testing positive for the virus. In addition, five new virus-related deaths were reported from Nov. 28 through Dec. 4.

Meanwhile, the hospitalization rate — those in local hospitals and are COVID-positive — remains high at 51.

The number of active cases also jumped — from 648 the week ending Nov. 27 to 741 last week, as well as those in quarantine — from 995 the week ending Nov. 27 to 1,298 last week.

To date there have been 16,470 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, 15,496 total recoveries and 233 virus-related deaths.

“COVID-19 is surging in Chautauqua County and the entire region,” Schuyler said in a statement. “The threat of COVID-19 infection spread and severity of illness are totally unpredictable but the unvaccinated are at such higher risk of severe illness and death. If you or your loved ones are not vaccinated, please reconsider.”

She added: “If you are fully vaccinated, please get a booster dose as indicated because research is showing that immunity from doses of vaccine received several months ago is waning. Especially if you are over 65 or have underlying health conditions, including pregnancy, do not let your guard down.”

County officials continue to stress the importance of getting the vaccine. Data shows that 61.1% of the county’s total population have received at least one dose while 54.8% have been fully vaccinated.

In Cattaraugus County, there have been 10,715 cases documented along with 9,909 recoveries and 186 deaths as of Tuesday. There were 610 active cases and 46 people hospitalized as well.

HOSPITALS LIMIT NON-ESSENTIAL PROCEDURES

UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown and Brooks-TLC Hospital in Dunkirk are among 32 facilities across New York state that will begin limiting non-essential surgeries today.

The move follows an executive order signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and is in response to a growing concern over hospital bed availability during the latest surge in people testing positive for COVID-19 and who are requiring medical care.

Brian Durniok, UPMC Chautauqua president, said there are some procedures the hospital can still offer.

“Daily, we evaluate everything happening at all our hospitals and outpatient sites to best serve our patients and communities at all times, including during the global pandemic,” he said. “Although a scheduled procedure may be described as ‘elective,’ that does not equate to unnecessary. There are multiple procedures not affected by the order, for example, diagnostic cancer testing or transplant surgery.

“We thoughtfully evaluate planned and scheduled procedures to ensure we are providing the best care that is needed for every one of our patients. The timing for scheduled procedures involve individual conversations and decisions between the patient and their care team.”

The state Health Department will reassess hospitals in two weeks by looking at how many beds are available.

Other hospitals in Western New York that will be required to limit surgeries include Erie County Medical Center, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center, Sisters of Charity Hospital and Wyoming County Community Hospital.