Expanding Those in Group 1B Vaccinations
Rural Rensco Vaccination Sites On The Horizon
Earlier this week, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that taxi drivers, restaurant workers and those employed at developmentally disabled facilities were being added to the current list of those eligible for a first round of COVID-19 vaccinations. Several Capital Region county leaders have expressed some concern about this, as there has yet to be enough vaccine available for those first identified in Group 1B. Among those is Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, who was asked by The Eastwick Press about those concerns and if rural Rensselaer County will see vaccination sites as well. Here is his response.
“We are very proud that Rensselaer County has delivered 100 percent of the vaccines provided to us. That is in contrast to other areas where the delivery rate is only about 70 percent. We have shown we can deliver and want to do more.
We have received many, many positive comments from residents about how smooth and efficient the clinics operate
When supplies increase, we are definitely ready to begin opening up other locations in the more rural parts of our county. We also need the state to give us slightly more advance notice about supply. Typically, we receive a shipment of vaccines and within 24 or 48 hours are delivering the vaccines at a clinic. More lead time will give us more flexibility.
The county also recognizes the need to bring vaccines right into the homes of those seniors and others who are unable to leave their house and travel. Residents should stay tuned for more news about home vaccinations.
We want to open vaccinations to other groups. But we need to focus on getting our seniors vaccinated. We are fortunate to have had success delivering vaccines to our seniors and want to complete that effort. Obviously, our mission is to provide vaccines to every county resident who wants one.
The news that the federal government will be increasing supply is obviously good news. Rensselaer County has shown we can deliver vaccines and now we need an increased supply as soon as possible to deliver to all residents.”
County COVID-19 Update
Each day, the Rensselaer County Health Department gives an update on the number of COVID-19 cases reported in the county, as well as a breakdown of the ages and localities of these cases.
On Wednesday, February 3, the county reported Seventy-eight new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
The new cases bring the total number of confirmed cases in the county to 8455. There are now 1795 active cases in the county.
The county also announced a new case at the county-operated Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home involving a 93-year-old man. There have been 58 cases involving residents at the VRM.
Ten new cases involving residents at the privately-owned Heritage House in Troy were announced Wednesday, February 3. The cases were determined to be positive but reporting through the state system to the county was delayed by days. These detailed reports appear on the county’s website and facebook page.