On Sunday, Long Island had the highest COVID-19 positivity rate in New York State at 9.32%. On Saturday, Nassau County saw eight confirmed cases of the omicron variant and 16 in Suffolk.

Nassau reported more than 2,000 new cases, Suffolk had over 1,900.

The rising cases has created a tough decision for families who must decide if or how they gather for the holidays.

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“These are situations each individual has to make for themselves about what risks they’re willing to go to,” says Dr. Aaron Glatt, of Mount Sinai South Nassau.

He says not to dismiss the severity of omicron.

“Let’s assume that if it is less virulent than delta, but it causes five times as many infections, you’re going to have more illness and hospitalizations, more intubation, more critical care patients, and heaven forbid, more death,” says Dr. Glatt.

Dr. Glatt says it's not too late to get a vaccination or booster – and to wear a mask and socially distance when indoors.