Full Notification

Albany County’s COVID-19 dashboard reported that there were 59 new positive cases in the County since yesterday, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 62,840 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased from 39.8 to 40.6 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms increased by one to now 12 patients, with two patients in the ICU.  The County reported no deaths overnight, and the County’s pandemic death toll remained at 536.
 
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 89.4% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 76.0% for the total population, and for boosters was 56.0% of the eligible population.  No changes again today in any of the percentages. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 162,273 tests Statewide were 3,450 or 2.1% positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 2.0%.  The Capital Region had 4,687 tests of which 129 or 2.8% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 3.1%.  The County had 1,139 tests of which 42 or 3.7% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 3.3%.   For the second consecutive day, all daily percentages and seven-day averages increased yesterday.   
 
Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 2.13%.    Other COVID-19 data included hospitalizations (911, -22), new admissions (120), ICU patients (150, -11), intubations (68, -2), and deaths (5). 
 
The Governor also announced a new website that sets forth resources offered by the State and organizations that are helping Ukrainians in response to Russia’s invasion.  The Governor again warned consumers about scams and cybersecurity threats from Russia.  The Governor also announced that the Ukrainian flag will be flown on the State Capitol,  Executive Mansion, and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
 
If you are looking for a local option for responding to Russia’s cruel war against Ukraine and its people, several residents let me know about very positive experiences with 518Ukrainians, a group of local Ukrainian churches and local branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.   You can make donations online or consider its list of needed supplies and equipment.   
 
New York City announced today that professional sports athletes and performers based in the City would no longer be required to show proof of vaccination.  The new policy expands the exemption already in place for out-of-town performers and visiting athletes. The vaccination mandate for City workers and employees of private companies remains in place. The Mayor added that the old policy put local teams at a competitive disadvantage. 
 
The NY Mets, with an unknown number of unvaccinated players, will at least have one less excuse for not having a successful season, with a home opener on Friday, April 15.  Unvaccinated players on that other New York-based team may still have a problem with playing nine games against the Toronto Blue Jays because of Canada’s remaining bar against unvaccinated players entering the country. 
   
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor