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 73.7% 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 75.5% for the total population.
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 97,975 tests Statewide were 1,671 or 1.7% positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 1.9%.  The Capital Region had 3,527 tests of which 103 or 2.9% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 3.3%.  The County had 811 tests of which 18 or 2.2% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 2.7%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 1.71%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (1,911, -88), new admissions (227), ICU patients (342, -7), intubations (191, +10), and deaths (20).  The State ended the week with a pandemic total of 69,507 as compiled by the CDC.

In a tweet, followed up by a press release, the Governor announced that the State’s facemask mandate for schools, including childcare facilities, would end on Wednesday, March 2.  She cited the 98% decline in COVID cases since the Omicron peak and new CDC facemask guidance.  The Governor added that counties and cities could keep facemasks in schools based on local conditions.  She noted that there were a number of counties in the State with high levels of risk, in the Finger Lakes, North Country and Southern Tier.  The Governor emphasized that parents may still choose to send children to school with masks.  The State facemask mandate continues for nursing care facilities, bus and train stations, subways, and other special indoor settings

The Governor’s announcement was predictable after CDC’s new facemask guidance which only recommends wearing facemasks indoors, including schools, in counties with a “high” level of risk.   Albany County continues with a “medium” rate where facemasks are not recommended except for persons at risk for serious illness.

Citing that “Russia has engaged in an unjustified and unprovoked attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine,” the Governor signed Executive Order No. 14 which requires State agencies and authorities to immediately divest any investments and terminate contracts with Russian institutions or companies.   

If you have questions regarding State issues, State Senator Michelle Hinchey is holding in-person office and Zoom meetings on Monday, February 28 from 5pm to 8pm at 2592 Western Avenue in Guilderland.  A constituent specialist will be present to help with unemployment, rent and mortgage assistance, EZ pass and DMV issues, food and health resources, heating assistance, and other State-related issues.  You can schedule an appointment online for a one-on-one in-person or virtual meeting.    

I hope that you were able to enjoy a relaxing weekend.

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