Full Notification

In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 53 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now at 61,836 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 62.5 to 58.2 cases. 
 
County DOH reported that there were five COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents decreased by one to now 29 patients.  There are now three patients in the ICU, a decrease of one.  The County’s pandemic death toll remained at 527.   
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose as of yesterday was 81.0% of the County’s total population and 89.5% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination was 73.6% for the total population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 88.7% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 75.2% for the total population. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 129.088 tests Statewide were 2,456 or 1.9% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 2.0%.  The Capital Region had 3,251 tests of which 141 or 4.3% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 3.6%.  The County had 984 tests of which 34 or 3.5% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 3.2%.  

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 1.90%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (2,404, -57), new admissions (249), ICU patients (385, -41), intubations (212, -27), and deaths (38).

In light of increasing cyber threats, the Governor also announced the formation of a Joint Security Operations Center to oversee cybersecurity throughout the State for federal, state, and local governments.  The new effort includes a $30 million “shared services” investment to protect local infrastructure including emergency dispatch, water treatment, and similar key facilities. 

Under the CDC’s current data for determining whether facemasks should be worn indoors, Albany County remains at a “high” infection rate with a seven-day average of 124.71 positive cases per 100,000 residents.  The nation’s infection rate (167.7) and the State’s rate (109.2) are still at “high” infection rates.  Maine (1,595.1) again has the highest infection rate, and Maryland (77) has the lowest rate.  New York now has the fifth lowest infection.   
  
The Town IT Department is now installing and testing a new broadcast system with state-of-the-art cameras, enhanced visual and audio production features, and streamlined transitions for broadcasting meetings on different platforms.  The new broadcast system will be used for the first time when in-person meetings resume, hopefully soon after March 16.  These broadcasts supplement the requirements for in-person meetings under the Open Meetings Law.   This investment was made from funds received by the Town under the American Rescue Plan Act.  I thank Congressman Paul Tonko for his full support for ARPA, and direct funding of local governments. 
 
It looks like a significant snowstorm will arrive tomorrow night into Friday.  Please check the Town website or call ahead before driving to Town Hall or other facilities to make sure services are not impacted.  If there is measurable snow, there will be plentiful winter recreation options at Town facilities including cross-country trails at Western Turnpike Golf Course, snowshoeing in the Vosburgh Open Space and Town parks, and sledding at the Winter Recreation Area.  More information is available at the Parks & Recreation webpage.  All Town parks have again, for a third winter season, been kept open for winter outdoor enjoyment.    
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor