LI, NYC log fewer hospitalizations, deaths than upstate, data shows

The surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in New York over the past four months has been less severe on Long Island and in New York City than upstate, a Newsday analysis of state data found. Today's newsletter also includes stories about the thousands of NYC workers on unpaid leave over the vaccine mandate and the FDA's clearance of kid-size doses for emergency use. By Erin Serpico Data: Fewer hospitalizations, deaths here than upstate in past 4 months Long Island Rail Road employees hand out masks at Penn Station in July. Credit: Craig Ruttle Newsday's David Olson reports in this story that more people died of COVID-19 upstate between July 1 and this past Tuesday than on Long Island and in New York City — even though nearly 3 million fewer people live upstate. Higher vaccination rates, more extensive mask-wearing and vaccine mandates downstate are the primary reasons, medical experts say, along with natural immunity for some previously infected. Advertisements "When more people are vaccinated, and more people are masking and distancing, everything is going to be lower," said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chairman of medicine and chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside. The number of deaths during the delta variant wave rose 3.7% in New York City and Long Island combined, compared with 10% upstate. The increase in deaths was especially high in rural counties — more than a dozen saw increases of more than 20% — and less dramatic in counties with major cities including Buffalo and Rochester, and in counties just north of the city. Nassau County, which has a higher vaccination rate than Suffolk County, saw a smaller increase in deaths than Suffolk: 3.8% versus 6.3%. Most upstate counties have much lower vaccination rates than those on Long Island and in New York City. And: The global death toll from COVID-19 topped 5 million on Monday, according to The Associated Press. The U.S. alone recorded over 740,000 lives lost, more than any other nation. The chart below shows the number of people hospitalized for the virus in the state on recent days. Advertisements This chart shows how many patients are hospitalized for the virus each day. Explore this chart and see others showing the latest local trends in vaccinations, testing, deaths and more on our data page. See more coronavirus headlines below. Breaking News De Blasio: 9,000 workers placed on unpaid leave over vaccine mandate Another 12,000 city employees filed for exemptions for medical and religious reasons and will remain on the job with weekly testing as their claims are reviewed and resolved in the coming days, the mayor said. FDA paves way for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations in young kids The FDA cleared kid-size doses — just a third of the amount given to teens and adults — for emergency use on Friday, and on Tuesday, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make more detailed recommendations on which youngsters should get vaccinated, with a final decision expected shortly after. To our community: Newsday readers support our strong local journalism by subscribing. Please show you value this important work by becoming a subscriber now. Subscribe for $1 Only in Newsday Next in COVID line: Pediatricians ready to give ages 5 to 11 their shots Long Island pediatricians are preparing to work extra hours and to transform day camps into drive-thru vaccination centers, if the CDC signs off on a COVID-19 vaccine for younger children. 7 LI tennis teams grapple with vaccination restrictions at state tourney At least one team in contention for the girls team championships in Queens said it will not be able to send its regular lineup because of the city's partial vaccination requirements. Advertisement White House press secretary Psaki says she has COVID-19 Jen Psaki had planned to travel with the president but scrapped the trip just as he was set to depart for Europe after learning that members of her household had tested positive for COVID-19. She said she is only exhibiting mild symptoms. Newsday's Breaking News newsletter Get breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our email news alerts. SIGN UP U.S. appeals court upholds NY's vaccine mandate The ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan reversed a decision by an upstate judge who had temporarily blocked vaccination requirements on the grounds that the mandate did not accommodate religious exemptions. Only in Newsday Fewer NY grade 3-8 students take standardized tests Only about 40% of students on Long Island and statewide participated in the latest round, due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, according to calculations by state education officials and Newsday.  Advertisement Supreme Court declines to block Maine vaccine mandate The Supreme Court has rejected an emergency appeal from health care workers in Maine to block a vaccine mandate that went into effect Friday. Voters' guide: See the candidates who will be on your ballot Nassau executive and DA races in both counties lead the ballot in the Nov. 2 election. See who's running and where they stand on the issues. 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