Is a Shutdown Looming in WNY? COVID-19 Positivity Rate Nearly 10%

Western New York's COVID-19 positivity rate has increased significantly beyond what is considered "too high." According to the most recent statewide COVID-19 report released by Governor Kathy Hochul yesterday, November 14, 2021, our numbers have increased significantly. We have the second-highest 7-day average positivity rate in the state, second only to the Finger Lakes region. As of Saturday, November 13, the WNY region positivity rate is 8.04%. To put it in perspective, our positivity rate is more than six times higher than New York City, which is 1.33 percent. The statewide average is 3.21%.

Here are the 7-day COVID-19 positivity rates across the state, as of Nov. 13:

Capital Region - 5.56%
Central New York - 5.58%
Finger Lakes - 8.25%
Long Island - 3.12%
Mid-Hudson - 2.46%
Mohawk Valley - 6.87%
New York City - 1.33%
North Country - 6.50%
Southern Tier - 4.56%
Western New York - 8.04%

These 7 WNY Zip Codes Have Highest COVID-19 Cases

The following seven zip codes have the most confirmed positive cases in Erie County for the week ending November 6,

1. 14221 Amherst/Williamsville/Clarence - 146 Cases
2. 14224 West Seneca - 145 Cases
3. 14075 Hamburg - 130 Cases
4. 14215 Buffalo (East) - 129 Cases
5. 14150 Tonawanda - 126 Cases
6. 14043 Depew - 103 Cases (Tie)
6. 14086 Lancaster - 103 Cases (Tie)

Here's a look at the new cases in the past 7 days over the past 6 weeks,

Week ending 10/2/21 - 1,787
Week ending 10/9/21 - 1,850
Week ending 10/16/21 - 1,818
Week ending 10/23/21 - 1,742
Week ending 10/30/21 - 2,212
Week ending 11/6/21 - 2,690