Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a plan Friday for this winter surge with new COVID-19 updates affecting the Hudson Valley.

The number of COVID-19 cases are breaking records yet again, with more than 44,000 new positive cases.

The seven-day positivity rate also passed the 10% threshold to 12%.

Also, breaking records are the number of New Yorkers protected from severe illness due to COVID-19 vaccines.

Gov. Hochul reports that 95% of New Yorkers have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with 3.5 million vaccines administered in just the last month.

However, Gov. Hochul announced new COVID-19 guidance for front-line workers as cases rise, one dose is not enough and getting that second shot and the booster are just as important.

"The unvaccinated are 20 times more likely to die from this pandemic, from this virus, than people who are vaccinated, so start now. What are you waiting for? Please do this. Get the booster," Gov. Hochul says.

The governor's statement comes as she lays out a plan for this winter surge to keep essential services at work.

If individuals are fully vaccinated and wear a mask, those who have tested positive can return to work five days after testing positive.

This new guidance applies to front-line workers, such as health care, transportation, grocery stores employees, etc.

Another goal aims to keep students in school. Hochul is now urging districts across the state to use the test to stay option.

Hochul says she is also increasing testing availabilities.

She says the state has launched 1,800 testing sites in New York with 13 new sites to be ready to administer tests by Wednesday.

The governor also announced 37 million free at-home tests will come to New York state by New Year's Eve.

A portal for residents to order testing kits is also in the works.

Gov. Hochul also underlined the fact that, although cases are climbing at an alarming rate, the numbers are not in the same place as we were in 2020.

The gov says over 4,700 people were hospitalized, compared to this time last year where about 7,000 people were hospitalized.

In addition, Hochul thanked the 95% of New Yorkers joining the fight against the virus by getting vaccinated.