Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to take all the necessary precautions amid the new highly transmissible COVID-19 variant and high flu cases.

The New York Department of Health announced that the XBB 1.5 variant is the most dominant strain in the state, accounting for more than 50% of COVID-19 infections statewide.

The new variant emerged as both COVID-19 and the flu remain high as health officials say XBB 1.5 is the most transmissible than any other variant.

According to state data, the seven-day average is at 6.75%.

While New Yorkers aim to safeguard from COVID-19, the flu also causing quite the stir.

The state's Health Department weekly surveillance report shows the flu remains an issue with a total of nearly 300,000 positive cases across all 62 counties, although the report did find cases dropped 36%.

While it is flu season, Hochul is also encouraging New Yorkers to get their flu vaccines for an added layer of protection.