Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday joined with the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut to lift most industry capacity restrictions, beginning May 19. He cited the success of vaccination programs and the decline in cases of COVID-19.

As vaccination rates are falling off nationwide, incentives are being offered — like discounts and specials at Crossgates Mall. An incentive for states is a new federal policy to reallocate doses from states not using their weekly allotments.

 Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday joined with the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut to lift most industry capacity restrictions, beginning May 19. He cited the success of vaccination programs and the decline in cases of COVID-19.

“We’ve got to reimagine how we’re getting the vaccine out to people,” said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. New strategies include a mobile van, walk-ins at the county’s health department, and incentives provided by businesses.

ALBANY COUNTY — The Capital Region on Wednesday was the first in the state to cross the half-way mark in giving a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to residents.

“We tend to socially distance as a norm,” nurse practitioner Jill Martin said of Hilltown residents. “Even our houses are situated far apart.” And many Hilltowners work independently — say, as farmers — and don’t regularly go to crowded venues like theaters or restaurants, she noted. “It gives a false sense of security that we don’t have the virus,” Martin said.

The new CDC guidance says that, except in certain crowded settings, fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks.

Instead of putting its effort into mass clinics, where sign-up has plummeted, Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said, the county is going to work with community partners to reach people where they are.

Albany County is shifting its focus to have more community-based pop-up clinics. It has also launched an Instagram challenge, #IGot Mine,” to encourage young residents to get vaccinated.

While Albany County hit the halfway mark — 50 percent — on Wednesday of residents having received at least one shot, there were also concerns about more deaths.