New York state's COVID-19 infection rate is now at 3.5%, the lowest since omicron was named a variant of concern by world health officials, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sunday.

According to the latest numbers released by the governor's office, statewide hospitalizations dropped by 319 over the past day, after declining 345 on Saturday, while 5,147 residents remain hospitalized. On Sunday, 68 new COVID-related deaths were announced. 

"I'm so proud of the work New Yorkers have put in to fight this winter surge," Hochul said in a statement. "The trends continue to be promising, but it is important we continue to be vigilant so we can keep positivity rates low. If you haven't, get vaccinated and get your booster as soon as possible, it is our best weapon against this virus."

The omicron variant represents more than 95% of the viruses in circulation, the governor's office said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data cited by the governor, 95% of all New Yorkers age 18 and older have received at least one vaccine dose and 84.8% have completed their vaccine series. For New Yorkers of all ages, 87.9% have received at least one dose and 74.5% have completed their vaccine series.

Over the past 24 hours, 42,088 vaccine doses were administered and 311,601 shots were given out in the past seven days.

New York's seven-day average positivity rate is currently 4.87%. 

As of data provided Sunday, the North Country's seven-day average positivity rate of 11.09% is the highest in the state, followed by Central New York at 9.65% and Western New York at 8.76%. The region of the state with the lowest seven-day average positivity rate is currently New York City, with a reported 2.93% rate.