The state reported Monday 3,186 new positive COVID-19 cases and 29 additional deaths. In the two weeks after Thanksgiving, we were averaging roughly 4,000 new cases per day, Murphy said. For the first three weeks of December we re averaging nearly 4,800 daily cases - a 20% increase. Hospitalizations are 25% higher, ICU counts are up 30%, and ventilator use is up nearly 60%.
Murphy said this is the year for a small Christmas with those in your immediate family bubble. If you insist on a big gathering this year, you re taking a real risk that when next Christmas comes, there will be fewer loved ones gathered around your tree, he said. This is NOT THE YEAR for Christmas-as-usual or New Year s Eve-as-usual. Please do not hold a large, indoor family Christmas gathering or indoor New Year s Eve party. We cannot take the risk of these celebrations leading to a spike in new cases and hospitalizations.