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, 58.3% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 50.3% has been fully vaccinated. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 49.8%, and full vaccination rate of 41.6%. More information on vaccination rates 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 24,157 to date, an increase of nine new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased from 21.6 to 19.8. 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 1.0%, and the Capital Region’s rate is 1.4%. 

Among the new cases of Coronavirus, two had close contact with positive cases, six did not have clear sources of infection at this time and one is a healthcare worker or resident of congregate living setting. There are now 113 active cases in the county, down from 131 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine dropped down to 333 from 379. So far, 78,725 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,044 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 26 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were three new hospitalizations overnight, and there are now 15 county residents hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of two. There are currently five patients in ICU’s, up from four yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 378 since the outbreak began. For the briefing, County Executive McCoy was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, along with Better Health for Northeast New York CEO Louis Filhour, PhD, RN who presented a check for Albany County’s improved delivery of mental health services.

“I’m proud of the progress we’re making in Albany County to get residents vaccinated. It’s that progress that’s keeping our infection rate and hospital admissions low, and it’s saving lives. But some are still on the fence about getting their shot, so we’re partnering with Dunkin’ to offer an incentive. The next 2,000 residents who get vaccinated at one of our county-run clinics starting Wednesday, including the CAP Center this Thursday, will get a $5 gift card to Dunkin’ for coffee, donuts or anything else,” said County Executive McCoy.

“Dunkin’ is honored to support Albany County in their work to vaccinate the community,” said Eric Stensland, Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin’. “Over the past year, Albany County has worked around the clock to help keep our communities healthy and safe. On behalf of Dunkin’ and our local franchisees, we thank Albany County and its dedicated staff for their commitment to helping us emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Dunkin’ is proud to help keep the Capital Region running.”

Better Health for Northeast New York also joined the County Executive to highlight the strong programs of the Albany County Department of Mental Health.

“Improving mental health services has been a priority of mine since I was first elected, but the pandemic has brought the need for those services into sharp focus. Today’s check for more than $193,000 from Better Health of Northeast New York as part of DSRIP is an acknowledgment of our hard work literally paying off. We’ve shown improvements in metrics such as avoidable readmissions and follow-ups after care by investing in preventative measures like our Mobile Crisis Team that improve lives and ultimately save tax dollars,” he continued.

In 2011, Governor Cuomo launched the Medicaid Re-Design Team to reform Medicaid in New York, and since then, the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) has been the main mechanism for reform with the goal of reducing costly, avoidable hospital use. Albany County and the Mental Health Department’s main DSRIP partner is Better Health for Northeast NY (BHNNY), a subsidiary of Albany Medical Center. The check of $193,189 was awarded to Albany County and Better Health after showing marked gains in key metrics, including Potentially Avoidable Readmissions, Antidepressant Medication Discontinued, Follow-up after Mental Health Care, and Controlling High Blood Pressure. 

Albany County will be hosting a first dose Pfizer vaccination clinic at the Albany Capital Center this Thursday, May 20, from 4pm to 7pm. Those above the age of 12 years old are eligible. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 15 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian; and those between 12 and 17 will need a signed parental consent form. Appointments won’t be needed, but you can register in advance at the link here. The second dose has been automatically scheduled for June 10. Free parking is 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 12+ years old. No appointments are needed and walk-ins are welcome.  Those 12 to 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 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.

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 21 and Friday, May 28, residents can get vaccinated between 10am and 1pm without an appointment. Those who are eligible include anyone at least 16 years of age. Second doses will be scheduled at the time of the first dose.

For those who would like additional information on vaccinations and vaccination clinics organized by Albany County, please 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.