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.

“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.

Shirley Unser, New York Capital District Christian Women’s Connection

The pandemic has laid bare many disparities in our society and focused the need for both government and individual action to solve the now-evident problems.

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.

Governor Andrew Cuomo was in Syracuse Monday to announce the 2021 Reimagined New York State Fair will run from Aug. 20 to Sept. 6.