Local health officials are optimistic about the currently low level of COVID-19 cases in Essex County — as well as a downward trend in flu and RSV cases after an early onset of the respiratory illnesses — ahead the FISU Winter World University Games, which will come to Lake Placid on Thursday. The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports Essex County is currently at “low risk” for COVID-19 transmission, with a 3% COVID positivity rate over the last few days.