Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy held a briefing today to report on the county’s efforts to administer the COVID vaccine and control the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 56.1% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 46.8% has been fully vaccinated. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 48.2%, and full vaccination rate of 38.7%. More information can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here.

County Executive McCoy announced that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 24,035 to date, an increase of 13 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased to 22.2 from 22.8. 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 still at 1.0%, and the Capital Region’s rate is now up to 1.4%. 

Among the new cases of Coronavirus, nine had close contact with positive cases, four did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and none are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 179 active cases in the county, down from 200 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 414 from 464. So far, 78,140 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 23,856 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 34 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there was one new hospitalization overnight, and there remain 21 county residents hospitalized from the virus. There are currently eight patients in ICU’s, down two from yesterday. There are no new deaths to report and the death toll for Albany County is still 377 since the outbreak began. County Executive McCoy was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, along with County Department for Aging Commissioner Deb Riitano to announce the relaunch of the senior congregate meal program.

“We continue to be hopeful that the FDA will expand vaccine eligibility to those between the ages of 12 and 15 this week, allowing us to get even closer to herd immunity. If that happens, those individuals are more than welcome at our first dose Pfizer vaccination clinic this Thursday at the Albany Capital Center and at any of our daily walk-in clinics at the County Department of Health,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“And as more people get vaccinated, I’m happy to see the economy reopening and a return to normalcy. Which is why I’m excited to announce the launch of our pilot program to reopen senior congregate meal sites, starting with the Watervliet location today. These seventeen sites are critical to preventing social isolation and depression, and they served nearly 2,400 seniors each year before the outbreak of COVID. We will gauge interest and comfort levels and open more sites in the months ahead,” he continued. 

The Watervliet congregate meal site at 1501 Broadway will reopen at 75% capacity to start, along with the other sites when they come back online in the future. A staggered schedule will be used for more sites to reopen: Some will open May 17, then more on June 1, and then another on September 1.

County Executive McCoy announced Albany County’s first dose Pfizer vaccination clinic will be Thursday, May 13, between 4pm and 7pm. Appointments won’t be needed, and walk-ins are welcome. The second dose clinic will also be at the CAP Center from 4pm to 6pm. Those who are eligible include anyone at least 16 years of age. Free parking will be available at the Renaissance Hotel parking garage. 

Albany County will be administering free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm, each week at the Albany County Department of Health to individuals 16+ years old. No appointments are needed and walk-ins are welcome.  A follow up 2nd dose clinic will be scheduled at the time of the 1st dose appointment. Free transportation is available for anyone at least 60 years old (and a caregiver), by calling the County Department for Aging at (518) 447-7198 in advance.

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.