The rate of new Covid-19 cases continued to trend down in Western New York Friday, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.
On Friday, the rate was 1.2%, meaning 1.2% of test results that came in that day for Western New York were positive for the coronavirus that has caused a global pandemic. On Wednesday, the rate was 1.8%, and on Thursday it was 1.6%.
The seven-day rolling average rate remained at 1.6% for the region.
Friday's stats also showed that Western New York had the second highest regional rate in the state, with Long Island coming in at 1.5%. Western New York has reported the highest daily positive test rate in the state for 14 of the past 16 days.
In the meantime, the statewide average for positive cases remained below 1% for the 29th day in a row.
Cuomo urged New Yorkers to continue their efforts of social distancing to maintain the low rate.
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"Overall, our numbers continue to be good news," Cuomo said in an emailed statement Saturday. "Our progress proves that this virus responds to science, not politics. But we cannot go backwards. As we celebrate this Labor Day Weekend, we must all continue to wear our masks, socially distance, wash our hands and stay New York Tough."
Last week, Erie County passed a sobering milestone: more than 10,000 people in the county have now tested positive for Covid-19.
On Saturday, state records showed that there were 56 new cases of Covid-19 in Erie County, with 5 in Niagara, 2 in Allegany and 4 in Cattaraugus County.
Chautauqua County health officials reported 9 new cases Saturday. Six of those are associated with SUNY Fredonia, where there have been 56 positive cases reported.
That news came as university and health officials across the state have been keeping a close eye on rising numbers of Covid-19 cases on campuses as they reopen. There were 91 positive cases reported at the University at Buffalo as of Friday. SUNY Oneonta announced Thursday that it had canceled all in-person classes for the fall semester, after more than 500 cases were reported.
Statewide, there have been 438,772 positive cases reported. With two new deaths reported Saturday, 25,350 people in New York State have lost their lives to the coronavirus.
Maki Becker
