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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 134 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now 59,440 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 267.2 to 242.5 cases. 
 
The County reported that there were seven COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents is 91 patients, a decrease of two.  There are now 15 patients in the ICU, a decrease of two.  The County reported the deaths of woman in her 80’s and another woman in her 90’s which raised the County’s pandemic death toll to 512.  The County Executive added:
 
My heart breaks for the latest families who are mourning the deaths of two more county residents.  Losing someone is never easy no matter the circumstances, and COVID has taken too many loved ones.  And while this virus still remains a danger, we know the vaccines have helped us prevent even more tragedies. January of last year was the deadliest month of the pandemic when there were 89 COVID deaths.  This year, that number dropped down to 40 during the same month.  If you don’t get vaccinated and the booster shot, you are not adequately protected and risk serious illness or worse.
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose is 80.4% of the County’s total population and 89.0% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination is 73.0% for the total population.  The State’s rate for one dose is 87.6% of the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination is 74.1% for the total population. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 120,322 tests Statewide were 7,119 or 5.9% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 6.3%.  The Capital Region had 4,489 tests of which 415 or 9.2% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 9.4%.  The County had 1,491 tests of which 92 or 6.2% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 8.6%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 5.92%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (7,131, -60), new admissions (580), ICU patients (1,140, -21), intubations (667, -34), and deaths (122).  The Governor noted that today’s numbers reflected a 92% decline in COVID-19 cases from a peak of 90,132 new cases on January 7, and a 43% decline in new hospitalizations since a peak of 12,452 on January 12 peak. 

The Governor also announced a public seminar on identifying and treating long-term COVID-19 for Thursday, February 3 from 8:45am to 2:30pm. The forum will include specialists, clinicians, social scientists, advocates, and other stakeholders to share their experiences, expertise, and insights.  More information, including free registration, is available here.
 
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 455.96 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (941.1) and the State’s rate (432.3) remain at “high” infection rates.  Alaska (2,103.5) has the highest infection rate, with New York now having the second lowest infection rate, with the lowest rate in Maryland (280.6).

Pfizer is reportedly seeking the FDA’s approval for a two-dose series of its vaccine for 19 million children under 5 years of age while pursuing further research on the effectiveness of a booster dose.  The FDA and CDC are expected to consider this request on an emergency basis later this month.  The expedited review was motivated by the marked increase in infections among children.  The pace of vaccinating the nation’s 28 million children between 5 and 11 years of age has been sluggish with the CDC reporting that about 30% of children in that age group have received at least one dose.  CDC’s data has shown very few reports of serious problems with vaccines in that age group, and that nearly all children who have been seriously ill due to COVID-19 had not been fully vaccinated.

If the predicted winter storm actually arrives later this week and deposits measurable snow (and not too much rain), conditions should be very good for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Western Turnpike Golf Course, and snowshoeing on hiking trails in Town parks and open spaces.  It can take a day or so after a heavy snowfall for Parks staff to prepare groomed ski trails, and clear cart paths for walking.  Please also check out the Parks & Recreation webpage or call its office at (518-456-3150) for the latest conditions and information about Nordic ski rentals.
   
Thank you for staying safe and calm
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor