Full Notification

In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 40 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now at 61,973 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 51.0 to 44.5 cases.
 
County DOH reported that there were three COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents decreased by two to now 28 patients.  There are two patients in the ICU, a decrease of two.  The County’s pandemic death toll remained at 528.
 
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 88.9% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 75.4% for the total population.
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 117,830 tests Statewide were 2,213 or 1.9% positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 1.9%.  The Capital Region had 4,845 tests of which 217 or 4.5% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 3.3%.  The County had 1,382 tests of which 38 or 2.7% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 2.6%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 1.88%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (1,999, -129), new admissions (227), ICU patients (349, -9), intubations (181, -15), and deaths (33).

Under CDC’s new guidance released last evening, Albany County remains at a “medium” level of risk at which facemasks are not recommended indoors expect for persons who are at a high risk of severe illness.  Rensselaer County is also at a “medium” level, but other neighboring counties, including Columbia, Greene, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Washington, and Warren, have “low” levels . As noted yesterday, CDC updated its guidance for schools and is only recommending universal facemasks in communities with a “high” infection rate.  Regardless of risk level, the CDC notes that people may still choose to wear a mask.   As noted last week, when the Town stopped requiring facemasks indoors, the Town’s COVID response team encourages the wearing of facemasks in indoor public settings.

I have heard from many residents that conditions were perfect today for cross-country skiing at Western Turnpike Golf Course.  I thank Parks & Recreation staff for grooming the trails last night and touching them up today.   I also received positive comments about snowshoeing in the trails at Vosburgh Open Space.  My wife and I logged 7.1 miles snowshoeing today.  Tomorrow’s weather should be a bit warmer and conditions should still be great for winter recreation.

I hope that you are enjoying a relaxing weekend.

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