Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy held a briefing today to report on the county’s progress on administering and distributing COVID vaccines and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 59.8% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 51.8% has been fully vaccinated. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 51%, and full vaccination rate of 42.9%. More information on vaccination rates can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here. Albany County has now administered or reallocated a total of 66,677 first and second doses to date, including 234 first doses and 216 second doses administered at the Albany Capital Center clinic yesterday.

County Executive McCoy announced that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 24,223 to date, an increase of 27 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased from 14 to 16.2. 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 0.9%, and the Capital Region’s rate is down to 1.1%.

Among the new cases of Coronavirus, seven had close contact with positive cases, 18 did not have clear sources of infection at this time and two are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 103 active cases in the county, up slightly from 97 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 312 from 297. So far, 79,022 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,120 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 19 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were three new hospitalizations overnight, and there are now 14 county residents hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of one. There are currently five patients in ICU’s, down from seven yesterday. Sadly, there was one new COVID death to report – a woman in her 70’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 379 since the outbreak began. 

For the briefing, County Executive McCoy was joined by Times Union Center General Manager Bob Belber and Albany Empire Coach Tom Menas to discuss the upcoming National Arena League football season and what fans can expect when they return to the county-owned arena this year.

“Today I was joined by General Manager Belber and Albany Empire Coach Menas to announce that the Empire’s first home game on May 29 will be accompanied by a vaccination POD, and we’ll be offering free tickets to future games starting June 12 for anyone who gets a shot that day. We’ll also have a Vax Block Party in the Atrium that day for anyone who has already been vaccinated, with food and live entertainment,” said County Executive McCoy.

“When fans return to the TU Center for the game, vaccinated individuals won’t have to wear masks or socially distance. However, in order to properly utilize the Excelsior Pass to determine who has been vaccinated, we need the State to make dramatic improvements to the app and the entire NYSIIS system that has been plagued with glitches and shortcomings. It isn’t fair to force the arena and our local businesses, who have suffered over the last 14 months, to use this flawed app to ensure their staff and customers are safe,” he continued.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available for the May 29 TU Center vaccination clinic. The Vax Block Party, similar to future games and concerts at the Times Union Center, will require proof of vaccine, which can be demonstrated with the Excelsior Pass, or by showing one’s physical CDC vaccination card, or a photo of the vaccination card with a photo ID. 

The TU Center will be limited to 33% capacity, at nearly 4,000 people until future changes to state guidance. Separate sections and bathrooms will be established based on a person’s vaccination status. Those who are in vaccinated sections will not have to wear masks or socially distance. Children under the age of 12 who are not vaccinated will be able to sit with parents in the vaccinated sections.


Upcoming Albany County Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:
• Pfizer 1st dose – must be at least 12 years old. A follow up 2nd dose clinic will be scheduled at the time of the 1st dose appointment. 
• Johnson & Johnson – must be at least 18 years old. Only one shot needed.

Innovation Blocks Party
Clinton Street, Albany, NY 
(Between Third and Fourth Avenues)
Saturday, May 22, 12PM - 3PM
Partnering with AVillage and CDPHP

West Hill Refugee Welcome Center
104 Ontario Street, Albany
Tuesday, May 25, 4PM – 7PM
Partnering with the Refugee Welcome Center and CDPHP

The Church of Saint Patrick
21 Main Street, Ravena, New York 12143
Wednesday, May 26, 4PM – 7PM 
Partnering with Community Care Physicians, CDPHP and the Town of Coeymans

West Hill Refugee Welcome Center
104 Ontario Street, Albany
Tuesday, June 1, 4PM – 7PM
Partnering with the Refugee Welcome Center and CDPHP

County Executive McCoy announced earlier this week that Albany County will now be delivering vaccines to homebound residents, which includes seniors, disabled individuals, those lacking childcare and those with other accessibility issues. Anyone who would like to schedule a time for a vaccine appointment should call (518) 447-7198.

Residents can also receive free Pfizer vaccines Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm, each week at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street. The 12+ population is eligible. 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.
 
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.