Full Notification

Albany County’s COVID-19 dashboard indicates that there were 40 new positive cases overnight in the County, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 63,093 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 48.4 to 46.8 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms remained at 13 patients, with one patient in the ICU.  The County’s pandemic death toll remained at 538.   
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose as of yesterday was 81.4% of the County’s total population and 89.8% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination was 74.2% 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 127, 873 tests Statewide were 3,243 or 2.5% positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 2.4%.  The Capital Region had 3,518 tests of which 160 or 4.5% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 3.5%.  The County had 927 tests of which 38 or 4.1% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 3.6%.  
 
Governor Hochul announced today that the State’s positive rate for tests was 2.54%.  Other COVID-19 data included hospitalizations (817, -28), new admissions (146), ICU patients (130, +3), intubations (58, -1), and deaths (6).  
 
With hours of FDA’s authorization yesterday to allow second booster shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for persons 50 years of age or older and some immunocompromised persons, the CDC formally approved amending the emergency use authorization.  The CDC’s Director stated:
 
Today, CDC expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain individuals who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further. This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time. CDC, in collaboration with FDA and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans.
 
The CDC also confirmed that the Omicron subvariant (BA.2) is now the dominant version of the virus by accounting for 55% of new positive cases.  The new subvariant was first identified in the United States in late December. 
 
A reminder that registration for the 2022 Summer Camp will open tomorrow.  This year’s camp runs from June 17 and August 15, and will allow for one-week long registrations for each of the camp’s six weeks, except that there is a two-week commitment for swim lessons.  An online digital brochure details over 36 pages nearly 100 programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department, including sporting activities, swimming and swim lessons, day camps, hobbies, fitness options, and cultural, historical and special events. Registration is very easy online (www.guilderlandrec.com) or by visiting the Parks and Rec’s office at 181 Route 146 (across from Tawasentha Park).  

Thank you for staying safe and calm.

Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor