Governor Kathy Hochul is declaring a state of emergency ahead of potential COVID-19 spikes due to the Delta variant and newly identified Omicron variant. This will take effect December 3rd, allowing the state to buy pandemic-fighting supplies, boost hospital capacity, and potentially limit non-urgent medical procedures. Governor Hochul says there are warning signs of spikes in case numbers, and says while the Omicron variant hasn't been detected in New York, she predicts "it's coming." Earlier today the governor said her administration was closely monitoring the Omicron variant, which first emerged in South Africa.