Nick Reisman at New York State of Politics reports that confirmed influenza cases have declined by 50 percent in New York, state health officials reported on Jan. 23. They urged people to remain cautious as the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV remain widespread. Flu cases fee from 14,656 to 7,373 cases in the week ending Jan. 14, the fifth consecutive week of decline. Hospitalizations fell by 52 percent too. Acting State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "Seeing fewer people sick with the flu is encouraging. But we are still seeing cases and protecting our children and the most vulnerable remains very important.... If you are sick with the flu, stay home so you do not spread this illness to others. If they haven’t already done so, New Yorkers should get a flu shot to help protect against getting serious disease from the flu.” The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention moved Greene and Columbia counties to "low" spread of COVID-19 recently, while Albany and Rensselaer counties remain "high" for spread of COVID-19. Read the full story at New York State of Politics reports.