Full Notification

Albany County’s COVID-19 dashboard reported that there were 110 new positive cases overnight in the County, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 64,667 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased from 112.4 to 113.0 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital due to COVID-19 symptoms decreased by seven to now 27 patients, with three  patients in the ICU.  The County reported two COVID-19 related deaths overnight which raised the County’s pandemic death toll to 543. 
 
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 74.4% of the total population, and for boosters was 68.5% of the eligible population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 89.9% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 76.6% for the total population, and for boosters was 58.4% of the eligible population.  
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 101,815 tests Statewide were 5,674 or 5.7% positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 4.9%.  The Capital Region had 4,455 tests of which 434 or 9.7% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 8.0%.  The County had 1,131 tests of which 100 or 9.1% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 9.0%.

The State’s COVID-19 dashboard reported the State’s positive rate for tests yesterday (4.80%), hospitalizations (1,247, 0), new COVID-19 hospital admissions (248), ICU patients (147, -3), intubations (62, -1), and deaths (9).  The State’s pandemic total, based on data reported to and compiled by the CDC is now at 70,488 deaths.

In an interview today, Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, recommended that people over 60 years should receive the second booster.  CDC states that people 50 years and older are eligible.  Dr. Jha stated:

On the second booster, the data out of Israel is pretty compelling that people over 60 who got a second booster after – four months after their first booster saw not just a reduction in infections, but a reduction in deaths.  So I think that's what really prompted both FDA and CDC. …  So in my mind as I read the evidence, people over 60 I think should be getting that booster.  Again, that evidence is pretty compelling.  Fifty to 59, you're certainly eligible.  Depends on your risk profile. That's the place where I think it's really important to talk to your doctor.
 
Next Saturday is Earth Day 2022, and among the ways to celebrate this day is by volunteering for conservation projects in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.   Between 9am and Noon, the Earth Day 2022 celebration will offer a wide-range of opportunities to help advance the Preserve’s core mission.   Registered participants will meet at designated worksites with all tools and equipment provided.   Please remember to dress for working outside regardless of the weather, and bring plenty of water and snacks.  There are still reservations available for this very popular free event online or by calling (518) 456-0655.  As you may know, a large part of the Preserve is located within the Town, with the trailheads for several key trails easily accessible in Town parks and streets. 
 
I hope that you are having an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.
                           
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor