A very troubling trend is emerging right before the holidays - pockets of unvaccinated New Yorkers are driving up COVID-19 cases statewide.

The least vaccinated regions in New York are seeing the highest spike in COVID-19 cases, which is prompting another stern warning from officials.

Cases jumped nearly 30% over the past week while hitting the highest positivity rates since the spring. Overall, the statewide positivity rate is 3.8% - the highest since April.

A total of 66% of the Western New York region has at least one COVID-19 shot while experiencing a nearly 10% positivity rate. This is compared to the Mid-Hudson region, which is 72% vaccinated and showing among the lowest percentage of positive tests.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is encouraging people to get their first doses or booster shots ahead of Thanksgiving, fearing the negative impact indoor gatherings -- especially among the unvaccinated -- will have on the state's fight against the virus.

"It is far worse to contract COVID over the holidays than it is to have to deal with the effects of your booster shot," said Hochul.

The Mid-Hudson region's positivity rate is just under 3%, but even in the Hudson Valley cases are on the rise. Westchester's total number of positive tests was up 30% last week over the week before - topping 1,000 over the seven days, according to state data.

This bodes well for the future of cases in Westchester where 80% of the population had at least one shot, among the highest rates in New York.