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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 260 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is 58,699 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 377.4 to 349.8 cases.  

The County reported that there were eight new COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents is 101 patients, a decrease of six.  There are now 15 patients in the ICU, a decrease of one.  

The County reported eight deaths, including five previously unreported deaths at congregate care facilities in January.  The County reported that there were three deaths overnight that raised the County’s pandemic death toll to 508.  The eight deaths included a man in his 50’s, a man in his 60’s, two men in their 70’s, a woman in her 80’s, and three women in their 90’s. The County Executive added:

Having now received the reports on five additional deaths that occurred in local nursing homes that were brought to our attention, along with the three new deaths over the last 24 hours, we see that this has been a deadlier month than we had thought.  These individuals now bring our COVID death total to 38 for January. My condolences go out to the families who have lost someone to this pandemic.  And while this is certainly tragic news, 38 is far fewer than the 77 COVID deaths we reported this far into January last year.  I am hopeful that as our infection rate continues to trend downward in Albany County, the Capital Region and the rest of the state that we will see fewer hospitalizations and deaths moving forward.

State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose is 80.3% of the County’s total population and 88.9% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination is 72.8% for the total population.  The State’s rate for one vaccine dose is 87.3% of the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination is 73.9% for the total population.  

The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 221,035 tests Statewide were 13,592 or 6.1% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 7.9%.  The Capital Region had 10,398 tests of which 894 or 8.6% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 10.5%.  The County had 2,629 tests of which 207 or 7.9% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 9.9%. 

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 7.91%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (8,181, -560), new admissions (917), ICU patients (1,249, -69), intubations (741, -30), and deaths (171).

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 655.63 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (1,218.2) and the State’s rate (673.1) are still at “high” infection rates.  Alaska (2,360.4) has the highest infection rate and Maryland (405.4) has the lowest rate.  New York State has the 4th lowest infection rate. 

The Governor announced today that she was extending the mandate for facemasks or proof of vaccination for indoor venues from February 1 to February 10, and that the school facemask requirement would also remain in place.  She added that future extensions would be based on metrics in two-week increments. 
 
For now, State DOH is continuing to prioritize the delivery of at-home test kits to schools and congregate care facilities.  We should know more early next week if State DOH will share an allotment for residents with local governments.  We will let you know if test kits are available.  I also continue to get updates from residents that they had received in yesterday’s or today’s mail containing four free at-home tests kits after having ordered them last Wednesday at the Post Office website or by calling the toll-free number (800-232-0233).    
 
I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.

Thank you for staying safe and calm.

Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor