Officials tout declining coronavirus positives
Board of Supervisors update vaccination efforts
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » Saratoga County officials gave an update on the County’s COVID-19 infection data and vaccination efforts on Wednesday, announcing the release of the county’s new Vaccine Interest List.
Leaders from the County Board of Supervisors discussed the ongoing measures to provide vaccinations to residents of Saratoga
County during a press conference held Wednesday afternoon at the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chamber in Ballston Spa.
As of Tuesday, 32,040 or 13.9% of county residents have received one dose of vaccine. An additional 16,132 or 7.0% of county residents have received two doses of vaccine to complete the vaccination series.
Both infection and hospitalization rates in Saratoga County have been steadily declining. The seven-day percent positivity rate is currently 2.2%, down 45% in the last two weeks, providing further evidence that the county’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are working.
“Saratoga County continues to actively work to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prepare for large-scale efforts to vaccinate all residents in the coming weeks and months,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore Kusnierz said in a press release. “We continue to closely
monitor county-wide data to protect our health care providers and their staff to ensure they do not become overwhelmed.
“We must remain diligent and do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 here in Saratoga County.”
Commissioner of Saratoga County Public Health Services Dr. Daniel Kuhles added, “It is encouraging to see data showing that our efforts here in Saratoga County are working. While the seven-day positivity rate has dropped substantially in just the last two weeks, it is imperative that we do not lower our guard and leave our communities and hospitals vulnerable to another surge in cases.”
As Saratoga County works to deliver vaccine to residents in a phased approach, in accordance with New York state requirements, the county has sought to alleviate confusion surrounding eligibility and obtaining vaccination appointments, the release said.
County representatives also detailed plans regarding a new Vaccine Interest List, for which a Potential Vaccine Recipient Interest List form is now available on the county website at https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/potential-vaccinerecipient-interest-list/.
The purpose of the form is to gather information from seniors and others interested in receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Answers to the questions will determine if residents are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine from the county. While the state requires the county to restrict its administration of vaccine to certain groups, all eligible individuals can be vaccinated at New York State operated vaccination locations.
Pharmacies, federally qualified health centers and ambulatory centers can also vaccinate specific groups.
All information captured in the Potential Vaccine Recipient Interest List form is confidential and does not reserve or guarantee a vaccination, so residents should continue to avail themselves of other vaccination opportunities. Individuals will be contacted when Saratoga County can offer them a vaccination appointment.
It is fine for someone to help a resident fill out the online form or fill it out on their behalf, but proof of eligibility will be required at the time of vaccination. The county is also working with senior centers to assist individuals with submitting their information to the county. A dedicated phone number will soon be established for residents to call in and provide the information for the Interest List.
“As public health continues their aggressive distribution of COVID vaccines, and as vaccine availability is expected to increase in the coming months, it is essential that we have a centralized and confidential system for reaching eligible residents,” Supervisor Tara Gaston, Chair of the Health Committee, said in the release. “This list is just one more way in which Saratoga County Public Health Services, supported by other County departments, are working to protect our population.”
In a Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton announced another new effort to help assist those trying to get vaccinated in navigating the registration process. A public Facebook group called COVID-19 Vaccine Community Help Group has been created for users to offer advice and share information, including when and where appointments are available.
“I encourage everyone to go on there and check it out if they are looking for a vaccination appointment,” Dalton said.
In addition to vaccination efforts, officials shared how the county is aiming to assist local restaurants and eateries during the pandemic with a proposed cap on third-party food delivery fees. Following consultation with restaurants and the New York State Restaurant Association, Kusnierz announced that the county will seek to implement a cap on third-party delivery fees.
Such a cap, which follows similar laws put in place by other counties around the state, is intended to help struggling restaurants hold on to a greater percentage of revenue.
“The restaurant industry has been hit particularly hard by the economic fallout from the pandemic, and we wanted to find a way for local businesses to hold on to a larger percentage of their sales,” Supervisor Phil Barrett, Chair of Economic Development and Public Works, said in the release. “Restaurants represent an important part of our community here in Saratoga County and it’s important that we do everything in our power to help.”
Kevin Dugan, director of government affairs for the New York State Restaurant Association, expressed his support for this proposed local law.
“After hearing that Saratoga County was considering such a cap on fees, we reached out to offer our perspective on the issue and recommend what we have found works best for restaurants here in New York,” he said in the release. “Having the support of counties like Saratoga is critical to helping our industry during these challenging times. We will continue working with Saratoga County and others throughout the region to support New York’s restaurants as we move through the pandemic and beyond.”