Bernadette Hogan and Nolan Hicks report in the New York Post that New York shattered its record of new COVID-19 cases by over 10,000 Dec. 23, announcing over 38,000 positive coronavirus cases. The fast-spreading Omicron variant of coronavirus is believed to be the cause of the record. The day before the state announced 28,924 new cases. "We are experiencing the winter surge, and numbers are expected to rise. You can also expect to reduce your chance of severe illness from COVID-19 if you get vaccinated and if you get the booster,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul in a statement. Another 63 New Yorkers also died from COVID-19, officials announced Dec. 23. Locally, Columbia County announced 69 new cases Dec. 23, and Greene County announced 86 more cases and another death. The only good news: Rensselaer County officials announced on social media that they received 70,000 KN95 masks from New York State for distribution throughout the county. That comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Dec. 20 a mass mask distribution throughout the state, and funds for counties to distribute them and enforce the current mask mandate. Read more about this story in the New York Post.