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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 240 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now 59,668 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 242.5 to 231.1 cases. 
 
The County reported that there were 10 COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents is now 80 patients, a decrease of 11.  There are now 13 patients in the ICU, a decrease of two.  The County reported three deaths including a man in his 70’s, a man in his 80’s, and a man in his 90’s which raised the County’s pandemic death toll to 515.  The County Executive added:
 
Sadly I have to report three more county residents losing their lives to COVID complications.  January saw a dramatic surge in infections and hospitalizations but our numbers appear to be improving.  In just the last two weeks, Albany County’s average daily COVID infections have dropped by over 73% and the number of county residents has declined by nearly 34%.  This is a positive sign for the future, and if we can continue to bring down our infection rate, we can prevent deaths in the future.
 
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 74.2% for the total population. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 177,926 tests Statewide were 9,342 or 5.3% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 6.0%.  The Capital Region had 7,484 tests of which 708 or 9.5% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 9.1%.  The County had 1,971 tests of which 199 or 10.1% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 8.6%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 5.25%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (6,628, -503), new admissions (694), ICU patients (1,094, -46), intubations (641, -26), and deaths (136).   The Governor added:

While Omicron has done its best to stop our recovery in its tracks, New Yorkers haven't let up and we continue to see a steady decline in our hospitalizations and cases.  The progress we've made is a strong indication that we have the tools - vaccines, boosters, tests and masks - to keep our communities safe, and our schools, businesses and economy open.  The vaccine and booster are also critical to protecting our children's health against COVID-19, and we reached an important milestone today with 80% of 12-17 year olds in New York receiving at least one dose.  Let's continue to use these tools and make sure we keep our children healthy.
 
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 422.90 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (876.2) and the State’s rate (395.7) remain at “high” infection rates.  Alaska (2,103.5) has the highest infection rate, with New York now having the third lowest infection rate, with the lowest rates in Connecticut (367) Maryland (265.8).
 
At the local level, the EMS Department is thankfully seeing a marked decline in the infection rate in our community.  For January, EMS ambulances transported 10 positive COVID-19 residents to local hospitals, which followed nine positive transports in December.   However, the last positive transport was more than two weeks ago on January 18 which was when State and County infection rates were declining from peaks in early January.  By itself, it is not a statistically robust sampling but it is anecdotal evidence that the current infection rate is manageable and not placing an undue burden on EMS services.

Because Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, we can expect six more weeks of winter.  The rodent is only correct about 40% of the time.   
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor