In terms of population, Chautauqua is the 23rd largest county in New York state. When it comes to COVID-19 numbers, it ranks a bit higher.

With a total of 6,961 positive cases since the start of the pandemic through Thursday, Chautauqua County is 20th of 62 counties for total number of infections with 5.4% of the 128,000 residents touched by the virus. Erie County, the eighth most populous, is fifth in the state in total number of cases with 6.4% of its 919,350 residents being infected.

While those figures appear daunting, state Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday again reported improving numbers statewide. The 4% positivity rate on Saturday for the virus was the lowest since Nov. 27 as other key indicators also showed decreases.

“It’s no accident that our positivity and hospitalizations are continuing to decline, this is happening because of the dedication and discipline shown by New Yorkers,” the governor said. “While we are encouraged by these declining numbers, we must remain vigilant.”

Cattaraugus County on Saturday reported 26 new infections and 327 active cases for a total of 3,591 since March. According to its population figures, 5.1% of residents have contracted the virus. Chautauqua County does not update its virus dashboard on weekends.

Last week, the Health Department reported nearly 7% of Chautauqua County residents have received a first dose of the vaccine with 1.3% receiving the second dose. According to its website, scheduling links for county-run clinics could be posted between noon today and 6 p.m. Wednesday. Stand-by registration links will be posted the following day. Opportunities outside of these days may be available as changes in the state’s allocation of vaccine occur. More information is available at https://chqgov.com/public-health/covid-19-vaccine-information with links to schedule appointments.

In a press release, the county noted COVID-19 vaccine providers are administering the vaccine as quickly as they receive their allocations from the state. Only hospitals, federally qualified health centers, local health departments and certain pharmacies have received allocations of vaccine.

“Information per individual vaccine provider, such as number of doses requested, received, and administered, is not available at the local level, therefore the only provider data available to us is our own,” said Christine Schuyler, public health director, on Wednesday. “Through January 30, county clinics administered 2,766 first doses and 20 second doses. Not one dose of vaccine has gone to waste.”