Pete DeMola reports about three more deaths from COVID-19 in Albany County announced Dec. 20. That makes 18 deaths from coronavirus in December in Albany County. Schenectady County also reported one new dead from COVID-19 on Dec. 20. Meanwhile, Columbia County reported 57 more coronavirus cases Dec. 17. Greene County announced 97 new cases on Dec. 17. Of those, 54 were in correctional facilities within Greene County. The Daily Freeman reports that Dutchess County on Dec. 19 had 1,696 active cases of the illness, 49 more than the total reported Dec. 18. That number of active cases is four-and-a-half times higher then at the start of November, with the current numbers similar to the end of 2020, even though COVID vaccines are now widely available. Mid-Hudson News reports that a case of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 was discovered in Dutchess County. “We must stay vigilant against the winter COVID-19 surge by taking the proper precautions against the spread of this virus,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This is not March of 2020, we are not defenseless. We have the tools to protect ourselves and the vulnerable loves ones in our families: Get vaccinated, get the booster and wear a mask when indoors or in large gatherings. Don’t take a chance during the winter surge.”