H. Rose Schneider reports for the Times Union that the Centers for Disease Control on Jan. 12, updated the COVID-19 community transmission levels for counties in the Hudson Valley to high. Columbia, Greene, Sullivan, Dutchess, Rockland, Putnam, Ulster, and Westchester counties all currently have high transmission levels, according to the CDC. The increase in COVID-19 cases is attributed to the newest subvariant of the virus, XBB 1.5, according to a statement from Ulster County Commissioner of Health Dr. Carol Smith. Known as the "kraken" subvariant, XBB 1.5 is believed to be significantly more transmissible, constituting about half the COVID-19 cases statewide. Smith advised residents to consider wearing a mask when indoors, maintaining good ventilation and airflow in indoor spaces and testing as soon as COVID symptoms are suspected. "...[S]tay home when sick and follow the CDC's recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19," she said. Albany and Rensselaer counties currently have medium transmission levels. Schenectady, Saratoga, Washington, Warren, Hamilton, Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie, and Delaware counties currently have low levels. The CDC COVID Data Tracker will resume regular updates on Jan. 17. In the past week, both Columbia and Greene counties each reported another death from COVID-19. Read the full story in the Times Union.