Full Notification

As noted yesterday, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy has scaled back his daily COVID-19 newsletters to twice-a-week updates on Tuesday and Friday.  In today’s update, the County Executive reported that there were 107 new positive cases since Tuesday, including 28 since yesterday, and that the County’s COVID-19 pandemic total is now at 62,399 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 39.2 to now 36 cases.
 
County DOH reported that there were nine COVID-19 hospitalizations since Tuesday, and none overnight, and that the number of hospitalized County residents is now at 21 patients, a decrease of one since yesterday.  There are now four patients in the ICU, an increase of two.  The County reported the deaths of a man in his 60’s and another man in his 70’s, and that the County’s pandemic death toll is now at 533.  The County Executive added:
 
It saddens me to have to report the latest COVID deaths in Albany County, and my deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones who have lost someone.  However, despite these losses, our overall trends are moving in the right direction.  Our infection rate and hospitalizations are down and new deaths remain rare.  
 
I continue to encourage everyone to either get the vaccine if they haven’t or the booster if they have.  Getting the shot is still the best weapon in our arsenal to prevent the worst illnesses caused by COVID, especially for those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose as of yesterday was 81.2% of the County’s total population and 89.7% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination was 73.9% for the total population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 89.2% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 75.8% for the total population.
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 152,272 tests Statewide were 2,107 or 1.4% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 1.4%.  The Capital Region had 7,428 tests of which 160 or 2.2% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 2.3%.  The County had 1,429 tests of which 26 or 1.7% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 2.5%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 1.38%, and that the State’s daily infection rate has been below 2% for 15 consecutive days.   Other COVID-19 data included new hospitalizations (1,245, -34), new admissions (133), ICU patients (199, -14), intubations (122, -2), and deaths (17).

For the first time in months, the CDC’s new metrics for determining whether facemasks should be worn inside now shows that Albany County’s community level is “low” at which residents are asked to stay up to date with COVID vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms.  At this level, the CDC states that people may choose to wear a mask at any time.  All adjoining counties are also at “low” rates.

In response to Russia’s unjustified and cruel war against Ukraine and its people, I have received inquiries from residents on how they can help in responding to this humanitarian crisis.  Here is a link to 518Ukrainians, a group of local Ukrainian churches and the area’s branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, a charitable organization aiding Ukrainians since 1940.  You can make monetary donations online or by mail and drop off needed items, including medical supplies and equipment, tactical supplies, sleeping supplies, baby items, tools, and toiletries.  No food or clothing is needed at this time. 

If you’d like an in-person option, on Sunday, March 13 from 10am to 2pm at Niskayuna Town Hall, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church in Niskayuna is hosting a special drive seeking gauze, ace bandages, band aids, burn cream, and antibiotic cream.  It is also accepting monetary donations.    
 
Several residents reminded me that the Town logo on its EMS ambulances is yellow and blue, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.   I now view the logo’s colors as emblematic of our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and a reminder of the desperate need for emergency medical supplies in Ukraine’s fight for democracy and independence. 
  
With a winter storm warning issued with the National Weather Service, it looks like we will be receiving a sizeable snowfall tomorrow.  The Transfer Station still anticipates opening tomorrow for its regular hours of 7:30am to 3:30pm.  Please remember that no overnight parking is allowed on Town streets, and please take time to clear around fire hydrants.  The forecasted snowfall should provide good conditions for winter recreation in Town parks and open space, but likely for only a few days with daytime highs next week in the 50’s.  Please check out the Parks & Recreation’s webpage for more information.

I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. 

Thank you for staying safe and calm.

Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor