Albany County sees 99 cases of coronavirus overnight, highest total yet

“Yeah, I’m worried,” McCoy said. “That’s why I’m here on Veterans Day. Ninety-nine. Ninety-nine overnight. And thank goodness no one died.

With more residents being tested than ever in the county (the number of daily tests peaked at 3,059 on November 5), testing alone cannot explain the recent increase in cases, the commissioner said on Wednesday. to County Health, Elizabeth Whalen.

“It is clear from our surveys and our numbers that this indicates that there is probably a greater risk in the community and that there is a spread of the community,” she said. “So for this reason it is necessary, once again, that everyone continues to protect themselves.”

McCoy and Whalen both spoke on Wednesday about the difficulties they are having in trying to get residents to reveal who they may have been exposed to. Of the new cases diagnosed overnight, 42 did not have a clear source of infection and officials believe this is because people do not want to reveal where they have been and who they have been exposed to.

“If you lie to the health department when they call you and they try to do their job, we’ll never be able to stop the spread or determine why it’s getting so big like this,” McCoy said.

In addition, the county faces resistance from some when contacted and tasked with quarantining due to exposure. Some people just don’t understand how the incubation period of the virus works, Whalen said. It can take up to 14 days after exposure for a person to experience symptoms, she said, and an infected person can start shedding the virus two days before they even experience symptoms.

“So for two days before you develop symptoms, you can walk around and put others at risk … It’s an individual responsibility. It’s a civic responsibility,” she said. “And on a day when we remember and honor so many of those who have done so much for our country, I think it’s important to remember that these aren’t big sacrifices. These are short periods of time and they can make a big difference. your duty, do what you are asked to do, be available with information and help us help the community. “

The record numbers come as cases continue to spread across the region, state and country.

The capital region set a new record for daily coronavirus cases on Monday, with eight local counties reporting 182 new confirmed infections on Monday. That broke the region’s previous record of 170 new cases reported on April 30, while the region was still in the heat of its spring viral wave, according to a Times Union analysis of data provided by the county. The five-day moving average of daily new infections also peaked at 127 on Tuesday, breaking the previous region high of 123 set on May 2.

The growing number comes as the region battles outbreaks at: University of Albany (which just left for the remainder of the semester), Greene’s Coxsackie Penitentiary, County Nursing Home from Rensselaer to North Greenbush and an assisted living center. in Ghent. Meanwhile, cases from school and workplaces, Halloween parties, family and friend reunions, and trips to hot spots inside and outside the Condition are increasing, according to local health officials.

While cases are on the rise, hospitalizations remain at just over half of the peak seen in April.

As Governor Andrew M. Cuomo continues to implement a ‘micro-cluster’ approach to contain virus outbreaks, it remains unclear whether parts of the capital region could be classified as ‘yellow areas’ precautionary measure due to the increase in positive tests. That’s because the state classifies specific geographies by zip code, census tract, or neighborhood – and test positivity rates aren’t publicly available at this granular level.

Such designations could be triggered for some areas based on a seven-day moving average positivity rate as low as 2.5% for 10 days and daily new cases per 100,000 residents on a seven-day average of at least. minus 10 or more. The state releases these numbers for the capital region as a whole, and the region has only met one of these parameters. The region’s moving average positivity rate was less than 1% until recently and was 1.6% on Monday. New daily cases per 100,000 population over a seven-day average have increased and were less than 10 until recently, when they reached 11.69 on Monday.

Areas designated as yellow precautionary zones are to limit the capacity of places of worship by 50% and mass gatherings – indoors and outdoors – would be limited to a maximum of 25 people. Businesses and schools would remain open, but mandatory weekly testing of at least 20 percent of all students and in-person staff would be required. Indoor and outdoor dining could remain open, but tables would be limited to just four people.

Cuomo on Wednesday identified a handful of new micro-clusters in the state, but none in the capital region.

He also announced a new set of restrictions for bars, restaurants and gyms statewide, which he says are fueling a large part of coronavirus outbreaks. Bars and restaurants licensed by the State Liquor Authority must close at 10 p.m. for in-person service, but may remain open only for food-based takeout, he said. Small parties and gatherings are also fueling the spread, Cuomo said, and will now be limited to no more than 10 people – a restriction that has also been implemented in neighboring states.