Full Notification

In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 342 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is 58,465 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 415.4 to 377.4 cases. 
 
The County reported that there were 13 new COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents is 107 patients, an increase of two.  There are still 16 patients in the ICU.  The County reported the death of man in his 80’s that raised the County’s pandemic death toll to 500. The County Executive added:
 
It saddens me to have to report another Albany County resident losing their life to COVID.  This is now the 500^th death in the county since the pandemic started, and it unfortunately won’t be the last. While we see progress in our fight in some areas, we need to continue doing what we can to protect our most vulnerable from the virus, which is still spreading.
 
The vaccine is proven to prevent the most serious illnesses caused by COVID and lowers the chances of death after someone is infected.  Between January 18 and January 24 there were five deaths in Albany County, and only one person was fully vaccinated and the four others were unvaccinated.  That means 80% hadn’t received a single shot.
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose is 80.2% of the County’s total population and 88.8% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination is 72.7% for the total population.  The State’s rate for one vaccine dose is 87.2% of the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination is 73.8% for the total population. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 235,742 tests Statewide were 17,305 or 7.3% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 8.5%.  The Capital Region had 11,869 tests of which 1,244 or 10.5% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 11.3%.  The County had 2,313 tests of which 253 or 10.9% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 10.7%.
 
Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 7.34%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (8,741, -594), new admissions (1,004), ICU patients (1,318, -37), intubations (771, -25), and deaths (134).
 
The CDC’s infection report continues to show that Albany County has a “high rate” of COVID-19 transmission with a seven-day average of 727.97 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (1,258.5) and the State’s rate (739.2) are still at “high” infection rates.  Alaska (2,360.4) now has the highest infection rate and Maryland (498.7) has the lowest rate.  New York State now has the 6^th lowest infection rate. 
 
Even though there is little or no snow forecasted over the next few days, the cold weather has helped to keep pretty good conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Western Turnpike Golf Course.  And nearly all hiking trails in Town parks and Albany Pine Bush Preserve are suitable for snowshoeing.  When snowshoeing, please keep to the side of the ski tracks.  These conditions could rapidly deteriorate with rain and 50 degree temperatures forecasted for next week.  Please also remember that as part of the Parks Department’s effort to encourage year-round enjoyment of outdoor activities, the golf course’s cart trails are open this winter for walking, and that all parks remain open.   
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor