Full Notification

Albany County’s COVID-19 dashboard indicated that there were 50 new positive cases overnight in the County, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 63,357 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 54.4 to 53.2 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms decreased by one to now 13 patients, with one patient remaining 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 81.5% 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 64.6% of the eligible population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 89.6% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 76.2% 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 125,777 tests Statewide were 3,683 or 2.9% positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 2.9%.  The Capital Region had 4,111 tests of which 162 or 3.9% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 3.9%.  The County had 878 tests of which 32 or 3.6% were positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 4.3%.  
 
State DOH daily data included the State’s positive rate yesterday for tests (2.92%), hospitalizations (825, -12), new COVID-19 hospital admissions (150), ICU patients (125, -5), intubations (52, -2), and deaths (5).
 
The CDC’s data shows that Albany County remains at a “low” community level of infection at which the CDC recommends that residents stay current with vaccinations and test if symptomatic.  There are, however, three counties in the State, including Onondaga, Oswego and Cayuga, with “high” rate of infection.  State DOH currently recommends that people should wear facemask indoors, regardless of vaccination status, in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties.  
 
There are now only 17 counties nationwide with “high” rates of infection, including in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, and New York.  Of the nation’s other counties, 146 counties have “medium” rates of infection and 3,057 counties have “low” rates. 
 
The Albany Pine Bush Preserve has an upcoming interesting webinar on Thursday, April 14 at 7pm about prescribed burns at the Preserve.  The webinar will explain why and how prescribed fires benefit the Preserve and advance its mission, and when, where, and how the fires are conducted.  The webinar will follow a question-and-answer format with Preserve staff.   You can raise questions during the event or submit your questions in advance at [email protected].  It is easy to register online.   
 
With infection rates continuing to climb, please remember that facemasks are strongly encouraged, but not required, in public places in Town facilities.   
 
I hope that you are having an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
                           
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor