Reading the local COVID-19 news can sometimes feel like getting whiplash on a see-saw. Here is the headline in the Feb. 10 Daily Freeman: "Ulster County rate of positive coronavirus tests jumps; Ryan calls on state to let restaurants stay open later." Then the story explains a new spike in positive tests in Ulster County and another death from the illness, and that Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan wants the state Liquor Authority to let restaurants stay open two hours later. Despite Ulster County's 6.8 percent positivity rate and 82 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, Ryan said, “The data shows that if restaurants and patrons take necessary precautions, they can operate in a safe way.” Dutchess County reported 123 new COVID-19 cases Feb. 10, while Columbia County added ten more cases, and Greene County reported 14 more positive tests. There were 51 new coronavirus cases announced Feb. 10 in Rensselaer County, and Albany County reported 87 more cases, and one more death.