Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Approximately 120,000 Saratoga County residents – just over half the total county population – have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and of those more than 91,000 have completed the vaccine series. 

Those numbers match similarly to the percent of the vaccinated population in neighboring Albany, Schenectady, and Warren counties. Under that 50% threshold: about 47% of Rensselaer County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and about 38% in Washington County have done so, as of April 28.   

“We’ve reached the point locally where our (vaccine) supply is appearing to be greater than the demand. We’ve had some openings and that hasn’t happened in a long time,” said Saratoga Springs Supervisor Tara Gaston, who is also chair of the Saratoga County Health Committee. 

 “What we’re looking at now is: Where is the population that wants the vaccine, but hasn’t been able to access it – and what are the barriers? We’ve started working on some things – farm workers, migrant workers, groups like food pantry workers and those who just don’t have the time to find a spot and then arrange to go there twice,” Gaston said. 

“We’re also looking at whether a business or a certain community needs it, where are there 50 or 100 people.  We’ve done the stats from around the county and I’m working directly with the supervisors in those zip codes with the lowest rates. Do we need a POD (Point of Dispensing) in your town? Why aren’t people getting vaccinated and what can we do to get there?”

The CDC issued new mask guidelines on April 27, easing restrictions for people who are vaccinated. The CDC considers people fully vaccinated as two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. 

Following a thorough safety review, the CDC on April 23 determined that a recommended pause regarding the use of the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume. The pause was recommended April 13 after reports of six cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals following administration of that specific vaccine.

In the case of COVID-19 infections, the greater Capital Region, as well as Saratoga County specifically, remain under 2% over a 7-day average of those tested. That infection rate peaked at about 10% in early January. 

Currently those aged 16 and over are eligible for a vaccine. Pfizer has asked for authorization for 12-to 15-year-olds, which may be an opportunity for a mass vaccination site, such as the City Center, which officials in the county had considered as a potential site, but which has yet to be used in that purpose. “That might be an opportunity for a mass site because obviously as many school kids as we can get vaccinated prior to the fall, the safer our schools are going to be,” Gaston said. 

Earlier this month, the Saratoga Springs School District announced a temporary pause of in-person instruction at the high school due to an increase in the number of positive reported COVID-19 cases. A total of 90 positive COVID-19 cases were reported at the high school in the 7-month period between Sept. 8 and April 13. By comparison, 26 positive COVID-19 cases were reported at the high school in the two- week period from April 14 to April 27. The majority of the positive case results were in mid-month, with only 3 of the 26 from April 21-27. 

To find available vaccine appointments at state-run websites go to: am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. To find available vaccine appointment at other sites, go to: vaccinefinder.org. 

After meeting the fully vaccinated criteria, New York residents may sign up for digital proof of their being fully vaccinated via the New York State Excelsior Pass. For more information about the Excelsior Pass, see Saratoga Today’s story last week at: saratogatodaynewspaper.com/home/item/13457-summer-outlook-a-safe-reopening-states-debate-venues-post-protocols. 

At its meeting on April 28 the county Health and Human Services Department announced it had used nearly all $1 million authorized in March 2020 by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors to be directed to battling the spread of COVID-19. The current funds remaining – approximately $15,000 – are expected to cover expenses into May. The department estimated an additional $600,000 will be needed to cover new costs through July. Those funds may come via a county transfer. About $500,000 in reclaimable costs that were spent have been sent to FEMA and other entities for reimbursement, but there is no indication when that funding may potentially come. The department also announced it will not seek, at this time, to renew a $2,000 per-week contract with the Saratoga Springs City Center that was in effect in the possibility the center would be used as a mass vaccination site. The contract expires April 30.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors this week launched the Saratoga County Women in Government Leadership Program, an initiative designed to educate high school girls about with the functions and responsibilities of local government and inspire them to take on leadership roles at the local level. 

The program was launched by the three women on the Board of Supervisors: Jean Raymond, of the Town of Edinburgh, Tara N. Gaston of the City of Saratoga Springs, and Sandra Winney of the Town of Providence. New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul provided a recorded statement during the event, to help introduce the new program. 

“We need more women present in all levels of government, and there’s no better place to begin one’s public service journey that at the county level,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. 

The program, developed in coordination with Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, will engage participants on topics including setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and building confidence. Saratoga County government women in leadership roles will apply these lessons to their experiences in local government. 

“Representation and engagement lead to better communities,” said Supervisor Tara N. Gaston, City of Saratoga Springs. “These experiences and relationships gained will benefit Saratoga County, whether or not these young women end up in public service.”

Approximately 20 participants will participate in the first year, with selection based on an application including responses to short answer questions about what they hope to get out of the program and who they see as examples of leadership in their own lives. Applications will be forwarded to the Supervisors of their town/city, and each Supervisor will select one participant. 

Locally, dating back to 1990, four of the past eight city mayors in Saratoga Springs have been women, and the majority of the current City Council is comprised of women. 

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Women’s Leadership Council will work with Saratoga County to develop the program as a pilot that can be expanded to counties across the state. For more information about The NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council, go to: nysac.org/womensleadership. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has announced the return of the Historic Homes Tour. Join the Foundation and Honorary Co-chairs, Giovanna D’Orazio and Scott Peterson, virtually on Mother’s Day weekend, May 8 & 9, for the popular event that celebrates this community’s rich architectural heritage. 

This year’s tour provides the exclusive opportunity to see interiors of beautiful private homes and buildings, including spaces typically not accessible during an in-person tour. The virtual tour of the North Broadway neighborhood will be available throughout the weekend allowing viewers to experience these special spaces at their leisure. 

The Foundation has worked to preserve and enhance the architecture and rich history of our city for more than 40 years. The Historic Homes Tour is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year. Historic Homes Tour tickets are $30 for SSPF members and $40 for non-members. Funds raised at this event support the Foundation’s efforts to preserve the unique architectural, landscaped, and cultural heritage of Saratoga Springs and ongoing educational programs.

For more information visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030.