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, 56.3% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 47.3% has been fully vaccinated. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 48.4%, and full vaccination rate of 39.1%. 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 24,050 to date, an increase of 16 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased to 20.6 from 22.2. 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 still at 1.0%, and the Capital Region’s rate is now up to 1.5%. 

Among the new cases of Coronavirus, four had close contact with positive cases, nine did not have clear sources of infection at this time, two reported traveling out of state and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate living setting. There are now 165 active cases in the county, down from 179 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 324 from 414. So far, 78,246 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 23,885 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 29 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were three new hospitalizations overnight, and there remain 21 county residents hospitalized from the virus. There are currently seven patients in ICU’s, down one from yesterday. Sadly, there is one new COVID death to report – a woman in her 50’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 378 since the outbreak began. 

“Tragically, COVID continues to take lives and devastate families, and there are still seven county residents below the age of 50 hospitalized from the virus. Despite our progress with vaccinations, COVID is still a threat and we need more people to get vaccinated,” said County Executive McCoy.

“We did get some good news last night with the FDA authorizing the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use for those between the ages of 12 and 15. However, we still need to wait for a recommendation from the CDC and further guidance from the State to know how we will move forward. With that being said, I continue to urge those who are currently eligible to roll up their sleeves and get the shot at any of our POD’s coming up. Those include the Albany Capital Center on Thursday, our daily wall-in clinics at the County Department of Health and at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Fridays,” he continued. 

Albany County, CDPHP and Focus Churches of Albany are hosting weekly Pfizer vaccination clinics at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 275 State Street in Albany. On Friday, May 14 and Friday, May 21, residents can get vaccinated between 10am and 1pm without an appointment. Anyone 16 years of age and older is eligible, and second doses will be scheduled at the time of the first dose.

Albany County is hosting a first dose Pfizer vaccination clinic on 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 second dose clinic will be scheduled at the time of the first 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.