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In a press release today, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported that there were 132 new infections since Tuesday’s update, including 46 yesterday, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic to 62,613 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased from 32.8 to 33.1 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms remained at 12 patients.  There is only one resident in the ICU.  The County reported no deaths overnight, and the County’s pandemic death toll remained at 536.
 
The County Executive added:
 
While I’m happy to see the share of Albany County’s population with the COVID booster shot is now up to 64.1%, I know we can do even better.  The vaccine works, but its effectiveness fades over time, and the best way we can prevent the worst illnesses and deaths caused by the Coronavirus is to get the booster.  We continue to offer vaccinations every day of the week at the County Health Department, and deliveries are still available for anyone who is unable to leave their homes for whatever reason.
 
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 74.1% 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 128,887 tests Statewide were 2,089 or 1.6% positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 1.8%.  The Capital Region had 4.370 tests of which 121 or 2.8% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 2.5%.  The County had 1,080 tests of which 34 or 3.1% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 2.3%.

Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 1.56%.    Other COVID-19 data included hospitalizations (978, -31), new admissions (126), ICU patients (157, +4), intubations (82, -4), and deaths (16).  The number of persons hospitalized in the State is the lowest since August 4.
 
As noted yesterday, the CDC is monitoring the progress of the new Omicron sub-variant (BA.2).  The CDC estimates that 23% of all positive cases in the nation now involve the new sub-variant.  Today, New York City DOH officials also noted a 35% increase in daily positive cases over two weeks from 700 cases to 905 daily cases yesterday, likely as a result of the new sub-variant which now accounts for about 30% of new cases in New York City.

After Pfizer’s announcement on Tuesday that it was seeking FDA’s emergency authorization for a second booster shot for persons 65 years and older, Moderna has announced that it would seek a similar authorization for a second booster for all persons 18 years and older.  Both requests are based on data from Israel which has authorized second boosters for months.  In a study released today, the CDC confirmed that the Pfizer and Moderna boosters provide robust protection with 94% effectiveness against serious illness.
 
While at-home COVID-19 tests are far more available in Town than just a few weeks ago, we still receive requests from residents and fully understand that free at-home test kits might be needed.  You can pick-up two boxes (four test kits), subject to availability, at EMS Station 1, 200 Centre Drive, on weekdays from 7am to 6pm.  No reservation or appointment is required.
 
You can also order free at-home COVID tests by mail from the Postal Service.  Each order contain four tests, with a limit of two orders per residential address.  If you placed an order previously, then you can now place a second order.  If you did not place an order previously, then you can place two separate orders, each containing a total of four tests. 
 
It looks like after a very pleasant warm afternoon, our weather roller coaster will continue with a very rainy and stormy day tomorrow and then back to a mostly dry and cloudy Sunday.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor