Spectrum News staff report that amid a new, more contagious outbreak of a deadly disease, Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to let a group that is only 16.4 percent vaccinated and not allowed booster shots to gather in large groups. “We want to make sure these schools stay open,” the governor said Dec. 27. “We want more vaccinated; we want them boosted at some point as soon as possible.” No one under 16 years old is allowed to get a booster shot now, and there is currently a rise in pediatric hospital admissions across New York. Scientists are predicting the Omicron strain of coronavirus is about to infect a large number of Americans, and most school children are not ready for that. Besides providing millions of test kits to schools, New York health officials are just hoping many young people suddenly get vaccinated. “We need to get them higher than they are, particularly in the 5-11 age group,” said acting Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett. “Parents can play a role in this, understanding that their children may become infected and may become sick.” Read more about this story at the Spectrum News website.