ALBANY COUNTY — Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination opened up during the county’s 55th week of dealing with the pandemic as did more venues and activities — including college sports and nursing home visits.

A study released Tuesday by the United States Geological Survey found that the risk is low that scientists could pass the coronavirus to North American bats during winter research.

On Monday morning, Albany County officials pushed to have young adults eligible for COVID-19 vaccination as they are the most likely to be infected and spread the disease. On Monday afternoon, the governor announced that, beginning April 6, New Yorkers 16 and older will be eligible to get the vaccine. 

Albany County, like the rest of the state and nation, has seen an increase in infections following holiday gatherings — Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and most notably the spike that started with Thanksgiving through the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

With vaccination ramping up, there is a nationwide slowdown in COVID-19 testing. “COVID-19 tests are available and we need people to continue to be tested as we strive to get more people vaccinated,” said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy.

On Friday, Cuomo announced a partnership to vaccinate through primary-care physicians in a New York City-based network, while Congressman Paul Tonko and others called on the White House to have primary-care doctors administer the COVID-19 vaccines.

ALBANY COUNTY — As the vaccination rate climbs — 27 percent of New Yorkers and 34 percent of Albany County residents have gotten at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine — more people are traveling and more venues are opening.

The state’s Department of Health strongly recommends that all facilities offer testing for visitors as COVID-19 is still present in communities statewide.

In June 2021, NY State of Health will for the first time expand tax credits to tens of thousands of additional New Yorkers with higher incomes who, before the American Rescue Plan, did not qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of premiums.

“You take the vaccine to save our grandmothers, and our grandfathers, and our children. You take a vaccine to make our city safe, our nation, and our state safe,” said Reverend Dr. Franklyn Richardson, pastor of Grace Baptist Church.