Full Notification

Albany County’s COVID-19 Dashboard reported that there were 56 new positive cases overnight in the County, which raised the County’s COVID-19 cumulative pandemic total to 74,257 positive cases.  The County’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases decreased from 57.4 to 56.8 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’s cumulative pandemic death toll remained at 569.
 
The State’s COVID-19 website reported that yesterday’s results for 51,190 tests Statewide were 3,829 or 6.7% positive, with the seven-day average remaining at 4.7%.  The Capital Region had 1,619 tests of which 120 or 7.3% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 7.2%.  The County had 429 tests of which 42 or 9.9% were positive, with the seven-day average increasing to 8.7%.
 
In a press release today, Governor Hochul reported the State’s positive rate for tests yesterday (6.74%), and the current numbers for COVID-19 hospitalizations (1,832, +3), new hospital admissions (328), ICU patients (193, +10), intubations (70, 0), and 13 deaths.
 
Governor Kathy Hochul also announced the launch of an online tool to help small businesses (100 or fewer employees) determine their eligibility under the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program. The program will provide tax credits for small businesses that have made investments to comply with emergency orders and regulations or to increase public safety in response to COVID-19.  Eligible COVID-19-related costs include, but are not limited to, supplies to disinfect or protect against COVID-19 transmission, costs associated with expanding, or defining space to accommodate social distancing, HVAC equipment, expenses related to increasing outdoor activity and outdoor space expansions, and machinery and equipment to facilitate contactless sales.

The FDA’s panel of independent experts is meeting tomorrow to review and vote on potential updates for existing COVID-19 vaccines to use in the fall, with the goal of improving immunity before the likely resurgence of COVID this winter.  Vaccine manufacturers are already producing the new vaccine in anticipation of its approval.  Indicative of a rapidly changing environment for COVID-19 vaccines, FDA’s Advisory Committee reported that the proposed new vaccines, which target Omicron, is “already somewhat outdated.”

For another sign of a return to pre-pandemic times, the White House announced today that public tours of the building would return to a full operating schedule on July 19, with free tours on Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 12:30pm. Visitors have the option to wear a facemask.  Requests for tours must be submitted a minimum of 21 days in advance to a member of Congress and no more than 90 days in advance of the requested tour date.
 
After a very successful season opening last Thursday, GPAC’s performances continue this Thursday evening at 7:30pm, with the return of The Kyle Bourgault Band, a very popular local country band.  All concerts are free and are held rain or shine, with rainout location (not likely this week) at the large covered pavilion at Western Turnpike Golf Course. 
 
Thank you for staying safe and calm.    
 
Peter G. Barber
Town Supervisor