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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 101 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now at 61,130 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases from 183.1 to 162.8 cases. 
 
County DOH reported that there were six COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents is now 64 patients, a decrease of three.  There are now 13 patients in the ICU, an increase of one.  The County reported the deaths of woman in her 50’s and a woman in her 60’s which raised the County’s pandemic death toll to 524.  The County Executive added:
 
It saddens me to have to report the latest COVID deaths in Albany County, and my condolences go out to the families and loved ones who are mourning these losses.  Despite the progress we’re making in controlling the spread of this virus, COVID-19 is still a threat, especially for the unvaccinated and those with compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions. 
 
While the statewide mask or proof of vaccination requirement for businesses has been rescinded, the pandemic isn’t over, and I continue to encourage people to take the proper precautions to stay safe, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness caused by COVID and have not gotten a shot.  That means wearing a mask in crowded places, practicing social distance, and staying home and taking a COVID test if you are feeling sick.  And as a reminder, it’s not too late to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. 
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose is 80.7% of the County’s total population and 89.3% 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 88.1% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination is 74.8% for the total population. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 184,380 tests Statewide were 4,754 or 2.6% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 3.6%.  The Capital Region had 9,453 tests of which 378 or 4.0% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 6.9%.  The County had 1,917 tests of which 80 or 4.2% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 8.1%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 2.58%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (4,149, -249), new admissions (484), ICU patients (668, -44), intubations (401, -3), and deaths (77).  Today’s positivity rate was the lowest since November 5.

The CDC’s infection report continues to show, as it has since mid-December, that Albany County has a “high rate” of COVID-19 transmission with a seven-day average of 348.27 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (454.2) and the State’s rate (239.1) remain at “high” infection rates.  Alaska (1,230.6) continues with the highest infection rate.  New York now has the fourth lowest infection rate after Ohio (221.3), New Jersey (192.4) and Maryland (143.7).
 
The FDA announced today a delay in its consideration of the Pfizer vaccine for children younger than 5 years.  About 18 million children are included this group which is the remaining age group, except infants six months or younger, not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.  The FDA’s scheduled meeting of its outside experts on Tuesday to evaluate a two-dose regimen was postponed until the FDA has sufficient data to determine if a three-dose regimen would be effective.  This data is expected in early April.

New York State’s budget process is, at best, difficult to understand and, at worst (and more often), indecipherable.  The budget process, including major social policy legislation like last year’s legalization of marijuana, takes place in a six-week period.  Governor Hochul has submitted her Executive Budget, with attention turning next to budget proposals by the State Senate and Assembly, followed by negotiations among the three parties, and hopefully an adopted final budget by April 1.  To help provide a better understanding of this important process, State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblyperson Pat Fahy are hosting a virtual forum on Thursday, February 17 at 10am.  If you would like to speak at the forum or provide written comments, please click here. 

I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.  At least tomorrow’s 50 degree and sunny weather should help with dealing with ice and packed snow on driveways and walkways. 
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor