Paul Kirby reports in the Daily Freeman that Dutchess County reported on Dec. 6 that active COVID-19 cases there are now above 1,000. April 15 was rhe last time Dutchess County reported more than 1,000 active cases. Dutchess County officials report 5.57 percent of those tested there have coronavirus. Ulster County reported almost as many, with 953 active cases as of Dec. 6 and a 5.8 percent positivity rate. On Dec. 5, Ulster County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith issued a public health advisory “strongly recommending” all residents wear masks in public spaces. A few days before Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan issued an emergency declaration because of the rising case counts there. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.