Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today on the county’s efforts to administer the COVID vaccine and control the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 52.2% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 38.5% has been fully vaccinated. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 44.6%, and full vaccination rate of 31.9%.

The County Executive announced that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 23,763 to date, an increase of 20 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives declined from 35.4 to 31.2. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county. Albany County’s most recent seven-day average of percent positive rates is now down to 1.9%, and the Capital Region’s is down to 1.6%.

Among the new cases of Coronavirus, 13 had close contact with positive cases, one reported traveling out of state, six did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and none are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 360 active cases in the county, down from 399 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 731 from 757. So far, 76,806 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 23,403 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 58 recoveries since yesterday.

County Executive McCoy reported that there was one new hospitalization overnight, and there are now 26 county residents hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of four. There remain four patients currently in ICU’s. Sadly, there is one new COVID-related death to report – a man in his 90’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 375 since the outbreak began. 

“It’s never easy to have to report new COVID deaths, especially as we get more people vaccinated and the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the family. The individual we lost should serve as a reminder that we still haven’t beaten COVID. We still have 26 county residents in hospitals, and two are below the age of 25,” said County Executive McCoy.

“We’re asking everyone to play their part in ending the pandemic by getting vaccinated. It’s safe, quick and easy, and there are still more than 600 appointments available for the Pfizer clinic at the Times Union Center tomorrow. We’re also not requiring you to register in advance – walk-ins are welcome – and we won’t ask for any health insurance or social security information,” he continued.

The direct link to sign up and additional information for the Pfizer clinic at the Times Union Center Thursday, April 29 can be found at the link here. The vaccine POD will run from 4pm through 6:30pm. Appointments ARE NOT required, and walk-ins are welcome. Anyone at least 16 years of age are eligible. The second dose of the vaccine has been automatically scheduled for Thursday, May 20. Free parking is available at the TU Center parking garage (PLEASE NOTE: Due to construction, the Market Street entrance on the 3rd floor is temporarily closed. Those wishing to utilize the garage need to enter at the Beaver Street entrance on the 1st floor).

The County Executive continues to encourage residents to join the county’s Instagram challenge by posting a quick “#IGotMine” video about why they got their shot. The challenge launch video can be found at the link here.

For those who would like additional information on vaccinations and vaccination clinics organized by Albany County, please use the link here. Those who would like to pre-register for a vaccination through the county’s pre-registration tool, should use the link here. Residents who want to sign up for a shot at a state-run facility should use the state's website at the link here or call the state vaccine hotline at 1-833-697-4829. Walk-ins are now welcome at state-run facilities for those who are at least 16 years old. For general information on the vaccine, residents can also dial the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s 2-1-1 hotline.

There are also various pharmacies across the county and the region offering vaccine appointments. Walmart pharmacy locations in Albany and Glenmont and the Sam’s Club in Latham are offering appointments for the Pfizer vaccine. Other Capital Region vaccination locations are in Troy, Schenectady, East Greenbush, Clifton Park, Amsterdam and Catskill. Anyone over 16 years old is now eligible. To make an appointment, please use the online registration at the link here.

Community-wide free testing continues on the University at Albany (SUNY) campus by appointment only for those with or without symptoms. Appointments may be made by calling the NYS hotline at 888-364-3065 or by visiting the State Department of Health website.
 
County Executive McCoy continues to highlight the testing site in Albany County at Priority 1 Urgent Care, which also provides antibody testing, located in Hamilton Square at 2080 Western Avenue in Guilderland. Testing will only be provided after appointments are made and after patients come in to be screened for expanded CDC symptoms. To schedule an appointment, you can call (518) 867-8040.
 
The County Executive also encourages those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to register for the drive-thru community testing site at Rite Aid, 1863 Central Avenue in Colonie. Testing is free for those who are eligible based on CDC guidelines and are at least 18 years old. It’s available between 9am and 5pm, seven days a week by appointment only. Registration is available at their website at the link here. Tests will be conducted from within an individual’s car with self-swab nasal tests and with the help of a pharmacist.
 
Walgreens is operating a testing facility at the 41 Holland Avenue location utilizing a self-collection model. Residents will be able to remain in their cars while assisted by pharmacists when necessary. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, individuals who are 18 years or older may be tested once completing an eligibility assessment at the Walgreens website or at their app. Patients can get their results from PWNHealth.
 
Price Chopper/Market 32 is piloting a free COVID-19 test program at three of its New York drive-thru pharmacies. Customers can register for a test at the website here and they will get a voucher to go to one of the testing sites on a specific date. Local participating pharmacies are in Latham, Clifton Park and Johnstown. Testing is on Tuesdays from 7am to 9am. Customers won’t leave their car and will administer the test themselves with guidance from a pharmacist. Results will be provided by eTrueNorth.
 
CVS is offering drive-thru testing at select stores. You must register online for an appointment. To do that and find locations offering the drive-thru testing, go to the CVS website.
 
Central Med Urgent Care, 1662 Central Avenue, Colonie offers the rapid antigen test, lab-based PCR and antibody testing. No appointment is required but you can call 518-240-1456 if you would like to make an appointment. Testing is available for children.

For the all latest data on COVID testing and results, you can refer to the Albany County COVID-19 Data Dashboard, as well as the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker.
 
For those experiencing stress, anxiety or depression during the ongoing pandemic, the Albany County Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week, from 8am to 5pm at (518) 269-6634. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500. The 24-hour sexual assault hotline number is (518) 447-7716, and the free and confidential online text chat feature can be found at the link here.