Full Notification

In a press release today, Albany County Daniel P. McCoy reported that there were 21 new positive cases since yesterday, and that there have been 100 positive cases since his late update on Friday.  The County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total has reached 62,481 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased from 28.6 to 29.5 cases.  
 
County DOH noted that 10 County residents remained in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms.  The County reported no deaths overnight, but noted that there were three deaths since Friday, including a woman in her 40’s, a man in his 60’s, and a woman in her 80’s.  The County’s pandemic death toll is now at 536.  The County Executive added:
 
It is never easy to lose a loved one, and the pandemic has taken too many lives over the last two years.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased.  Despite these tragedies, we continue to see signs of hope.  Albany County now has the lowest number of COVID hospitalizations since August 6, and the last time our average percent positivity was this low was back on July 23. Less infections and hospitalizations mean fewer deaths in the future.
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose as of yesterday was 81.3% of the County’s total population and 89.7% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination was 74.0% of the total population, and for boosters was 64.1% of the eligible population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 89.3% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 75.9% for the total population, and for boosters was 56.1% of the eligible population.
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 73, 501 tests Statewide were 2,753 or 3.7% positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 1.6%.  The Capital Region had 2,022 tests of which 64 or 3.2% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 2.2%.  The County had 531 tests of which 17 or 3.2% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 2.2%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 3.75%, which ended the State’s 18-day streak of rates below 2%.   Other COVID-19 data included hospitalizations (1,070, -13), new admissions (107), ICU patients (172, +4), intubations (95, +1), and deaths (16).

Pfizer is reportedly seeking the FDA’s emergency authorization for a second booster shot for people 65 years and older in response to studies that show a waning immunity within several months of the first booster shot.  The request is supported by data from Israel which has already authorized a second booster shot for the elderly.  The CDC’s vaccination data shows that people 65 years and older have the highest rates for vaccination and booster, with 95% having received at least one dose (compared with 76.7% of the general population), 88.9% having been fully vaccinated (65.3% for general population), and 66.8% having received a booster dose (44.3% for general population). 

No word yet on whether the Governor’s Statement of Emergency will end today as scheduled.   I would not bet on another extension in light of other states recently allowing pandemic-related states of emergency to expire or are taking affirmative steps to end them.

A reminder that the Red Cross is holding another blood drive at Town Hall this Friday from Noon to 6pm.   There are a few appointments still available.  The Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies, and all donors will also receive, by email, a $10 gift card from Fanatics, a sports merchandise company. 
   
Thank you for staying safe and calm.

Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor