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In a press release, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today that there were 56 new positive cases yesterday and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now at 62,228 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased by 1.2 cases to now 39.2 cases.
 
County DOH reported that there were five COVID-19 hospitalizations overnight and that the number of hospitalized County residents decreased by two to now 23 patients.  There are still two patients in the ICU.  The County reported three COVID-related deaths of woman in her 60’s and a woman and a man in their 80’s which had not been previously reported.  The County’s pandemic death toll is now 531.  The County Executive added:
 
My condolences to the family and friends of the three people who lost their lives recently to COVID-19 and that were identified as data was reviewed .  While our numbers have been encouraging overall, I remind everyone that the virus is still with us and we need to protect others by practicing good hand hygiene, coughing/sneezing into our arms, following CDC guidelines and getting vaccinated.
 
With most residents receiving at-home test kits by mail, from schools and the Town, or by other means, and using the test kits, the County Executive again encouraged the reporting of positive test results online. 
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose as of yesterday was 81.1% of the County’s total population and 89.6% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination was 73.8% for the total population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 89.1% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 75.6% for the total population.
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 154,544 tests Statewide were 2,574 or 1.7% positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 1.6%.  The Capital Region had 4,890 tests of which 126 or 2.6% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 2.8%.  The County had 1,525 tests of which 44 or 2.9% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 2.8%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 1.67%.  Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (1,541, -90), new admissions (172), ICU patients (282, +7), intubations (150, +9), and deaths (16).

I had the opportunity this morning for a winter hike in the Vosburgh Open Space including the newly opened green trail loop through a wooded area and the partially opened yellow trail across French’s Mill Road from the kiosk for the blue trail.  It was wonderful to see that the extensive trail system has become very popular this winter for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and hiking.  We came across a hiker who remarked that the all-season blue trail that travels along a stream reminded her of trails in her native Finland. 

I’d like to thank Parks Director CJ Gallup and his dedicated staff for keeping parks and trails open year-round, and Senior Planner Zeynep Tas for her on-site GIS-mapping of the trails and later preparation of detailed maps.  With a forecasted high in the upper 60’s tomorrow, the winter recreation options are likely nearing an end unless revived by a late winter snowstorm common in March.    

I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.

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