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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 83 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 99.8 to 87 cases. 
 
County DOH reported that there was one COVID-19 hospitalization overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents decreased by six to now 50 patients. There are now eight patients in the ICU, a decrease of two.  The County’s pandemic death toll remained at 526.  The County Executive added:
 
It’s always a great day when I don’t have to report any new COVID deaths in Albany County.  On top of that, new daily hospitalizations are on the decline and the number of county residents currently in the hospital with the virus is now at its lowest point since December 12.  With our infection rate still falling as well, I’m hopeful this trend will continue and we can continue to move Albany County forward.
 
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 138,125 tests Statewide were 3,274 or 2.4% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 2.8%.  The Capital Region had 5,033 tests of which 251 or 5.0% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 4.9%.  The County had 1,509 tests of which 73 or 4.8% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 4.6%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 2.37%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (3,265, -239), new admissions (334), ICU patients (530, -43), intubations (304, -13), and deaths (37).  The Governor noted that today’s number of COVID-19 hospitalizations was the lowest since December 5.

The CDC Director said today that her agency was looking at new COVID-19 guidance that would be “relevant” and most needed to safeguard public health in light of declining infection rates.   Among the changes under consideration is gauging the need for facemasks in indoor settings based on more than the number of positive cases, and looking at local hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and vaccination rates.

Under the CDC’s current data for determining the need for facemasks, Albany County continues with a “high rate” of infection with a seven-day average of 184.28 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (283.5) and the State’s rate (153.5) are still at “high” infection rates.  Maine (1,392.7) replaced Alaska (804.9) as the state with the highest infection rate.  New York now has the third lowest infection rate after Nebraska (131.9) and Maryland (93.2).  CDC finds that 96.34% of the nation’s counties have “high” infection rates. 

Tomorrow evening at 7:30 pm, the Guilderland Historical Society will host a virtual presentation by local resident John Haluska about State historic markers in Town, including why and by whom they were installed nearly a century ago, the historical basis for information on the markers, possible new markers for individuals, locations and topics, and his continuing efforts to restore and repaint the markers.  The Society’s website has more information about this and other upcoming programs.  You can also order a copy of Town of Guilderland: Tour Guide of Historic Sites and Landmarks and other publications about the Town’s rich history.

Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor