Full Notification

The Albany County COVID-19 dashboard reported that there were 58 new positive cases in the County since yesterday, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 62,943 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased from 40.0 to 43.8 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms remained at 13 patients, with two patients in the ICU.  The County reported one death overnight, and the County’s pandemic death toll is now at 537.
 
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 89.5% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 76.1% for the total population, and for boosters was 56.0% of the eligible population.  
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 133,844 tests Statewide were 3,117 or 2.3% positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 2.2%.  The Capital Region had 4.031 tests of which 146 or 3.6% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 3.4%.  The County had 984 tests of which 38 or 3.9% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 3.3%.   For the third consecutive day, all daily percentages and seven-day averages increased yesterday.   
 
Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 2.33%.    Other COVID-19 data included hospitalizations (845, -24), new admissions (133), ICU patients (143, +4), intubations (62, -3), and deaths (14).
 
The CDC’s metrics for determining if facemasks should be worn inside continues to show that Albany County has a “low” community level at which residents are reminded 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.  But, unlike last week, when the entire State was also “low,” several counties are now at a “medium” community level and one county, Franklin County, is at a “high” level at which the CDC recommends that facemasks be worn indoors. 
 
The Federal government will reportedly ask the CDC to give persons 50 years and older the option of receiving a second booster of Pfizer or Moderna but is not yet issuing a recommendation in favor of the second booster.  Among the reasons cited was the new highly contagious Omicron subvariant (BA.2) and a possible more virulent surge in the months ahead.  There is expectation that, by fall, the CDC will likely recommend that all eligible persons receive a second booster.   CDC data shows that, five months after the single booster, the vaccine remains 78% effective against hospitalization due to COVID-19.  It is a drop from 91% effectiveness after two months. 
 
The Albany County Legislature is holding a medical supply drive through March 31 to help Ukraine and its people, with drop boxes at several County sites, including the County Office Building, 112 State Street in Albany, County Courthouse, 16 Eagle Street, and MVP Arena.   St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Watervliet will collect the donated items for shipment overseas and is also accepting monetary donations.    
 
The Guilderland Public Library is holding a timely virtual seminar about Russian and Ukrainian relations, including an historical context, geopolitical underpinnings, and humanitarian efforts.  The roundtable discussion will be held on Monday, April 11 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm, and will be led by Professor Kristin Bidoshi at Union College’s Department of Russian and Eastern Studies, and will include an opportunity for questions.  A Russian and a Ukrainian student at the college will also participate.  You can easily sign-up online for the free Zoom discussion.
 
I hope that, despite the drizzly and cool weather, you are enjoying a relaxing weekend.
   
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor