County Executive Pat Ryan is reactivating Ulster County’s Emergency Operation Center following a recent spike in case numbers.

The delta variant has spread at an alarming rate, and a recent spike in cases puts Ulster County at over 100 active cases for the first time since May 24.

Officials say the County Department of Health and Emergency Management is now coordinating together through daily calls about evolving public health scenarios.

From there, they say they plan on creating a public plan to hone in on areas where action is needed, while notifying local municipal leaders.

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Ryan says Ulster County has had 168 positive cases since the delta variant was first confirmed in late June. 

He says the steep spike in the more contagious delta variant is posing a daunting threat in the road to recovery from the pandemic.

In a statement, he says, in part,  “We are all in this together, and I am asking everyone who has yet to receive the vaccine to do so for their neighbors, their family, and themselves.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci says the delta variant is changing the whole landscape because it’s not only affecting those who are unvaccinated — as breakthrough cases continue to be reported. 

According to Ulster County health officials, the first delta variant case that was reported in back in June involved a resident who was already vaccinated. They also say that person was likely spared from the worst impacts of the variant due to the vaccine. That’s why officials are urging residents to get their shot as soon as possible in order to make strides up the road to recovery.

For a list of vaccine locations near you, click here.