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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 64 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now at 61,372 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 103.4 to 99.8 cases. 
 
County DOH reported that there were seven COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents increased by one to now 56 patients. There are now 10 patients in the ICU, an increase of three.  The County reported the COVID-19 related death of a man in his 70’s which raised the County’s pandemic death toll to 526.   The County Executive added:
 
Despite the progress we’re making in Albany County to bring our infection rate back down, we still continue to lose residents to COVID complications, and my deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones who are grieving.  This virus is still a threat, especially for the unvaccinated, those with underlying health conditions and those with weakened immune systems.  It’s not too late to get yourself and your children vaccinated against COVID-19, and I continue to encourage everyone to get the booster shot if they haven’t already to ensure they are as protected as possible. Albany County offers vaccination clinics every day of the week at our Health Department and vaccine home deliveries for those in need.
 
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 88.4% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination is 75.0% for the total population. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 70,894 tests Statewide were 2,317 or 3.3% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 3.0%.  The Capital Region had 3,228 tests of which 191 or 5.9% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 5.3%.  The County had 799 tests of which 47 or 5.9% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 5.1%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 3.27%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (3,504, -20), new admissions (274), ICU patients (573, -12), intubations (317, -12), and deaths (66).  The Governor also noted that the number of positive cases had dropped by 97% since the peak on January 7 and that hospitalizations had fallen by 72% since the peak on January 12.

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 187.89 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (309.8) and the State’s rate (173.1) are still at “high” infection rates.  Alaska (804.9) remains at the highest infection rate.  New York now has the fourth lowest infection rate after New Jersey (159.1), Nebraska (155.6) and Maryland (91.1).  All states, except Maryland, have “high” rates of infection.  CDC also finds that 97.11 of the nation’s counties also have “high” infection rates.   
 
Last evening, with no fanfare or public notice, the Governor issued Executive Order No.11.3 which extended the State of Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic until at least Wednesday, March 16.  This Order continues the suspension of certain laws, including the Open Meetings Law, and allows for public bodies to hold virtual meetings.  Later this week, the Town’s COVID-19 response team will determine whether to continue virtual meetings for boards and committees and require facemasks indoors in Town facilities based on current data and official guidance. 
 
For next week’s school break, the Parks & Rec Department is offering its February Break Fun-N-Games for children in grades 1 to 6.  The program will include warm-up tag games followed by games such as Jailbreak, Pins Down, Survivor, Basketball, Seven-Base Kickball, Indoor Soccer and many more.  The camp runs from Tuesday, February 22 to Friday, February 25 at Guilderland Elementary from 9am to 11am.  The registration fee is $60, with sign-ups through Sunday, February 20, at this link.
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor