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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 74 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now 60,648 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 207 to 199.7 cases. 
 
The County reported that there were three COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents is now 62 patients, a decrease of three.  There are now nine patients in the ICU, a decrease of one.  The County reported the deaths of a man in his 70’s and a woman in her 80’s which raised the County’s pandemic death toll to 521.  The County Executive added:
 
We continue to report out good and bad news with our latest COVID update.  The number of people hospitalized with the virus and daily infections are still on the decline, however two more county residents have passed away due to COVID complications.  These individuals are reminders that the virus is still a threat, and we need to take precautions to protect against the worst illnesses.  I continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated if they haven’t yet, get the booster shot if they have, to wear masks in public regardless of vaccination status and to stay home if they’re feeling sick.
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose is 80.6% of the County’s total population and 89.2% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination is 73.2% for the total population.  The State’s rate for one dose is 88.0% of the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination is 74.6% for the total population. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 90,292 tests Statewide were 3,795 or 4.2% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 4.5%.  The Capital Region had 2,675 tests of which 239 or 8.9% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 8.4%.  The County had 811 tests of which 59 or 7.3% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 9.0%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 4.20%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (5,069, -78), new admissions (422), ICU patients (814, -40), intubations (452, -42), and deaths (90).   

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 385.26 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (614.6) and the State’s rate (265.2) remain at “high” infection rates.  Alaska (1,657.5) continues with the highest infection rate, with New York now having the third lowest infection rate behind only New Jersey (239) and Maryland (171.1).

Earlier today, the New Jersey Governor announced that the state would end its facemask mandate in schools and daycare settings on March 7.  The Delaware Governor also announced that its universal indoor mask mandate will end on February 11 and that the mandate for schools will end on March 31.  Both states indicated that the actions were steps in a return to “normalcy” and would allow local schools and governments to require facemasks based on community conditions.

No word yet about New York State, but Governor Hochul is expected to make an announcement on Wednesday about the State’s mandate for proof of vaccination or facemasks in indoor spaces, a day before the current deadline is scheduled to expire.  She had previously mentioned that the school mask requirement is governed by a State DOH directive which has no stated expiration date.  But given the eagerness for a return to normalcy, I expect that the Governor’s Wednesday press conference will include an update on the school mask mandate.

As a reminder, the CDC’s guidance recommends the wearing of facemasks in indoors space where the community’s infection rate, based on a seven-day average, is 50 or more positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The CDC’s infection rate reported today for Albany County (365.2), while remarkably better than just two weeks ago, still far exceeds this threshold.  The Town has consistently followed the CDC’s COVID-19 recommendations during the pandemic, and will likely continue to follow the CDC’s facemask guidance for Town-owned or operated indoor spaces. 
  
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor