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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 58 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now at 61,259 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased by 47 to 105.1cases. 
 
County DOH reported that there was one COVID-19 hospitalization overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents is now 55 patients, a decrease of two.  There are now 14 patients in the ICU, an increase of one.  The County reported the death of woman in her 70’s that raised the County’s pandemic death total to 525.   The County Executive added:
 
Unfortunately, we’ve lost another Albany County resident from COVID-19 and I send my condolences to her loved ones.  Our new positive case numbers continue to go down, as well as new hospitalizations.  That is good news.  We continue to offer vaccination clinics at our health department and in the community to encourage those who haven’t gotten a shot to get one.   It’s the best defense against COVID-19.
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose is 80.8% of the County’s total population and 89.4% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination is 73.4% for the total population.  The State’s rate for one dose is 88.2% 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 157,244 tests Statewide were 3,583 or 2.3% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 3.2%.  The Capital Region had 6,200 tests of which 282 or 4.5% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 5.6%.  The County had 1,737 tests of which 56 or 3.2% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 5.2%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 2.28%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (3,588, -295), new admissions (371), ICU patients (608, -27), intubations (352, -17), and deaths (50).  Today’s number of COVID hospitalizations was the lowest since December 12, and the positivity rate was the lowest since October 31.

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 298.19 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (369.8) and the State’s rate (201.1) remain at “high” infection rates.  Alaska (969.9) again has the highest infection rate.  New York now has the fifth lowest infection rate after Ohio (201.6), Connecticut (191.4),  New Jersey (179.3) and Maryland (128.8).  
 
As a lifelong fan of the NY Giants, it is great to see the Cincinnati Bengals go from worst to maybe best in just two years, giving some hope for the Giants in the near future.  It is also refreshing to not have Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers in another Super Bowl.  The Bengals are underdogs so that’s my pick.  In fact, everyone I know is rooting for the Bengals. 
 
The 2022 baseball season would have started this week, with pitchers and catchers reporting to sun-filled and warm locations.  But mostly billionaire owners and millionaire players, after months of wasted time, still seem unable to figure how to divvy up a trillion plus dollar pot of money.  There is still some hope that the 2022 regular baseball season will start on time, with the NY Mets, my other unlucky team, opening in just 46 days at home on Thursday, March 31. 
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor