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In a press release today, Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported that there were 63 new positive cases overnight in the County, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 74,187 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases increased from 52.0 to 54.0 cases.  The number of County residents in the hospital overnight with COVID-19 remained at 26 patients, with five patients in the ICU.  The County Executive reported the deaths of woman in her 60’s and man in his 70’s, with the County’s pandemic death toll now at 569 residents. 
 
The County Executive added: 
 
While every death is a tragedy and my condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones, Albany County’s overall COVID metrics continue to improve and move in the right direction.  Our infection rates and hospitalizations are down and we are likely to see this carry on at least through the summer months. 
 
It’s for this reason that this will be the last biweekly COVID update from my office.  My staff and I will continue to monitor the data and for those who still want the current status of our pandemic response, we will still be updating our COVID dashboard on the county website.  Additionally, New York State continues to provide daily reports on infections, hospitalizations, vaccinations and more for counties, regions and the entire state at their own dashboard.  If there is a surge in infections or hospitalizations or any other kind or urgent situation in the county, I will be sure to alert the public.
 
State DOH reported today that the County’s rate for one vaccine dose as of yesterday was 81.6% of the County’s total population and 92.3% of the adult population, and the County’s rate for full-vaccination was 74.6% of the total population, and for boosters was 61.7% of the eligible population.  The State’s rate for one dose was 90.9% for the total population and 95.0% of adults, and the State’s rate for full-vaccination was 77.7% for the total population, and for boosters was 53.8% of the eligible population.  Beginning today, the State’s data regarding vaccinations will only be updated weekly on Fridays to align with CDC's updated schedule on vaccinations.   Not surprising news in light of little to no change on a daily basis over the past several months. 
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 118,927 tests Statewide were 6,375 or 5.0% positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 4.7%.  The Capital Region had 2,783 tests of which 166 or 6.3% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 6.4%.  The County had 598 tests of which 50 or 8.0% were positive, with the seven-day average decreasing to 6.8%.
 
In a press release today, Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the State’s positive rate for COVID-19 tests was 5.00%.  Other overnight data included COVID-19 related hospitalizations (1,824, +11), new admissions (336), ICU patients (183, -15), intubated patients (70, -9), and deaths (17).  
 
The Governor also announced a Free Fishing Weekend for tomorrow and Sunday when persons may fish without a fishing license.  All other fishing regulations remain in effect.  DEC has information for new anglers, including rigging up a fishing rod, identifying catch, and understanding fishing regulations, and an interactive map of places to fish.  Other Free Fishing days are September 24 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day).
 
For a third consecutive week, Albany County has a low COVID-19 community level.   Nearly all of Upstate is now at a low level, with the exception of Broome and Tioga Counties which are at medium levels.  Only Nassau County is at a high level.  As of yesterday, the nation had 391 (12.1%) counties with a high level, 996 (30.9%) counties with a medium level, and 1,830 (56.8%) counties with a low level.  Rhode Island is the only state to have all counties at a low level. 
 
Summer weather is returning this weekend, with temperatures in the 90’s, just in time for the 2022 opening of the Tawasentha Park Pool tomorrow at 11:30am.  The open swim hours are Noon to 7pm on weekdays and 11:30am to 7pm on weekends.  The adult lap swim hours (15 years of age and older) are Monday to Thursday from 11am to Noon and weekends from 10am to 11:30am.   Please review the pool’s webpage for more information. 
 
I hope that you have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. 
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.    
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor