Full Notification

In a press release today, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported that there 67 new positive cases overnight in the County, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 64,016 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased from 71.4 to 84.4 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms was unchanged at 21 patients, with three patients remaining in the ICU.  The County’s pandemic death toll remained at 541. 
 
The County DOH also released a report which showed a 32% increases in COVID-19 cases over a two-week period found in wastewater samples collected on April 4 at the Albany County Water Purification District’s South Plant which serves about 80,922 residents in the City of Albany.  County DOH stated that measuring COVID levels in wastewater is a recognized leading indicator of the infection rate and a more accurate estimate of infection levels because it is not dependent on each individual’s choice of reporting or being tested. The report concluded that a spike in COVID intensity will likely mean a corresponding spike in COVID case counts and increased positivity rates in the near future.
 
State DOH reported that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose as of yesterday was 81.6% of the County’s total population and 89.8% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination was 74.3% of the total population, and for boosters was 67.2% of the eligible population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 89.8% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 76.5% for the total population, and for boosters was 57.6% of the eligible population.  
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 85,815 tests Statewide were 3,666 or 4.1% positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 6.0%.  The Capital Region had 2,261 tests of which 168 or 7.5% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 5.8%.  The County had 639 tests of which 42 or 6.5% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 7.4%.  
 
The State’s COVID-19 data included yesterday’s positive rate for tests (4.40%), hospitalizations (1,128, +68), new COVID-19 hospital admissions (185), ICU patients (138, +8), intubations (63, -3), and deaths (8).
 
With the full support of the Town Board, the Ukrainian flag is now flying in front of Town Hall in support of Ukraine and its people against the Russian unwarranted and vicious invasion of a free and democratic nation.  There are an increasing number of Ukraine flags and banners at homes and businesses.
 
I continue to receive inquiries from residents on how they can help in responding to this humanitarian crisis.  At the community level, 518Ukrainians is a group of local Ukrainian churches who are collecting monetary donations online or by mail and accepting dropped off needed items, including medical supplies and equipment, tactical supplies, sleeping supplies, baby items, tools, and toiletries.  No food or clothing is needed at this time. 
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
                                 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor