Chautauqua County crossed 7,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, continuing what has been a frenetic pace since the holidays.

The county Health Department announced 121 new cases Monday, bringing the total to 7,081 during the pandemic — now nearing a year. Three additional fatalities were also noted, adding to what has been a steady increase in virus-related deaths in the county. To date there have been 125 such deaths, with four involving people between the ages of 40 and 49; three between 50 and 59; 10 between 60 and 69; 28 between 70 and 79; 48 between 80 and 89; and 32 over the age of 90.

There were 283 active cases as of Sunday, a decrease of 68 from information released on Friday, as well as 25 people with the virus in the hospital, a decrease of nine, and a seven-day positivity rate of 5.5%. To date there have been 6,673 recoveries.

Of the new cases, 26 came from the Dunkirk zip code, 12 in Fredonia, 27 in Jamestown, five in Brocton, seven in Forestville, five in Kennedy, six in Lakewood and eight in Westfield.

It hasn’t been taking long to amass 1,000 new COVID cases locally. The county crossed the 5,000 mark over the Jan. 8 weekend. About two weeks later, on Jan. 21, the county crossed the 6,000 threshold.

Entering Christmas, there were 3,123 confirmed cases in the county. Health officials warned that gathering with family and friends at the holidays, including New Year, would only result in further spread of the virus.

In Cattaraugus County, the 80th virus-related death was recorded — an 87-year-old man who developed respiratory failure. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and the entire Cattaraugus County community,” the county Health Department said in a statement.

The county reported 17 new COVID cases Sunday evening, marking 3,944 to date in addition to 333 active cases, 23 people with the virus in the hospital and 3,529 recoveries to date.