There is evidence to suggest that some of the mutations in the P.1 variant may affect its transmissibility and antigenic profile, the CDC says, which may affect the ability of antibodies generated through a previous natural infection or through vaccination to recognize and neutralize the virus.

While few small businesses report that revenues are growing, most are no longer seeing declines: only 27 percent reported declines in the first week of March while 65 percent reported no change.

So far, 30.4 percent of Albany County residents have gotten a first dose of vaccine and 15.4 percent have completed a series of two doses, McCoy said. Statewide, 24.6 percent of New Yorkers have received a first dose, and 12.7 have completed a vaccination series, according to the state’s vaccine tracker. At least 70 percent is needed for herd immunity.

One bill would, among other things, require public bodies to make all documents to be discussed in an open meeting available at least 24 hours in advance of that meeting, while another would prevent agencies from charging a fee for certain Freedom of Information Law requests.

“If you are, care for, or are aware of a homebound person, please send an email, with contact information, to or call EMS’s vaccine program at 518-579-3737 for more information about eligibility and appointments …,” Guilderland Supervisor Peter Barber wrote in an email.

Coming out of the pandemic — with an unprecedented infusion of support for state and local governments from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan — New York State has a chance to rebuild its dysfunctional property assessment system in a way that is better.

“The love a mother gives knows no boundaries,” wrote Susan Rosa’s children in a tribute. “There isn’t anything she won’t do for her children and her family. We don’t realize just how much she loves us; and we never really appreciate her until she is no longer here.

Albany County’s unemployment rate for January 2021 was 6.0 percent. The rate for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area was the same: 6.0 percent, up from 3.9 percent in January 2020 before the pandemic hit. Albany County had roughly 147,400 jobs in January 2021 compared to roughly 151,000 the year before, a decrease of 3.7 percent.

Among the initiatives noted or announced by Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy during his 10th State of County Address were a study examining the technical feasibility of launching county-wide broadband; the opening of a county mental-health court; a five-point economic recovery plan; and the build-out of safe space for victims of domestic violence. 

“I was elected by the people of the state, I wasn’t elected by politicians,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said on March 7 as he stated he wouldn’t resign because of allegations. Since then, many more politicians, including top Democrats at the state and federal level, have called for his resignation. On Monday, Siena College released a poll that showed New Yorkers feel he should not resign and the majority are satisfied with the way he has addressed the sexual harassment allegations against him.