Case numbers and concern rose in early December as the holiday season drew closer and continued its course. According to the Orange County website, as of December 23, 2021, there are currently 69,283 positive cases of COVID-19 reported in the county. There are a reported 971 COVID related deaths, 115 COVID hospitalizations confirmed, and one hospitalization under investigation.

These are the most recent case numbers for Orange County in the Newburgh/New Windsor area according to their website chart: Town of Newburgh: 302 active; City of Newburgh: 252 active; Town of New Windsor: 287 active.

In early December, the first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was reported in New York State. In early December, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul had announced a statewide mask mandate. New York State residents are required to wear masks in all indoor public places according to the mandate. The exception to the mandate was if a business or venue implemented a vaccine requirement. The mask mandate was set from December 13, 2021 to January 15, 2022.

According to an Orange County representative, the county had sent and delivered 15,000 at-home COVID test kits to the Orange-Ulster Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). These kits would then be distributed to the various schools within the county. According to the county website, their release stated 15,845 kits were distributed and the kits themselves came with two quick view tests. The tests provided had shallow nasal swabs and provided results back in 15 minutes, the release stated. The state and health departments encourage residents to get vaccinated, continue getting vaccinated and to register and receive their booster shots.

The case numbers and data for the county are updated on the county health department website at 4 p.m. each day. They are to be updated following the holiday weekend.