New York sees highest single-day coronavirus cases in pandemic history

The US state of New York saw its highest single-day total of coronavirus cases Friday since the pandemic began, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.

The state reported 21,027 positive cases in 263,536 test results, with a positive ratio of 7.98%, Hochul said on Twitter.

There were 3,839 hospitalizations and 60 deaths reported.

"We can’t -- and we won't -- go back to where we were 21 months ago," she wrote. "We have the tools to fight this virus. Wear a mask. Get vaccinated. If you’ve fully vaccinated, get your booster as soon as you can."

Hochul said in a statement that the winter surge cases is "a reminder that the pandemic is not over yet" and people need to take extra care to keep themselves and each other safe.