Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy reported today on the county’s progress on administering and distributing COVID vaccines and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 61.5% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 53.8% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 72.4%. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 53%, and full vaccination rate of 45.1%. 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 24,321 to date, an increase of seven new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased from 12.6 to 10.6. 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 1.1%, and the Capital Region’s rate is 1.0%.

Among the new cases of COVID in the county, one had close contact with positive cases, five did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate living setting. There are now 89 active cases in the county, down from 101 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 204 from 267. So far, 79,475 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,232 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 19 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were no new hospitalizations overnight, and ten county residents remain hospitalized from the virus. There are currently three patients in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. There were no new deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 380 since the outbreak began.

“Our number of new positive cases continues to go down and one major factor is because more people have been vaccinated,” said County Executive McCoy. “There are many opportunities for people to get their shots this weekend, including at tonight’s Albany Empire game at the Times Union Center. Those who get their shot there will get a ticket for an upcoming game and will be able to attend the pre-game block party on June 12^th because only fully vaccinated people are permitted.”

Upcoming Albany County COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:

• West Hill Refugee Welcome Center
  104 Ontario Street, Albany
  Tuesday, June 1, 4pm – 7pm
  Partnering with the Refugee Welcome Center and CDPHP
  Pfizer 1st dose and Johnson & Johnson being offered.

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Adeline Wright Graham Clubhouse
  Saturday, May 29 and Saturdays in June, 12pm – 4pm
• Grafton State Park
  Saturday, May 29, Sunday, May 30 and Monday, May 31 11am – 3pm
• Schenectady Green Market- Hon. Karen B Johnson Library (outside)
  Sunday, May 30 and Sundays in June, 10am – 2pm
• SUNY Schenectady, Elston Hall
  Monday, May 31 and Mondays in June, 5pm – 7pm
• Schodack Town Park
  Tuesday, June 1, 4pm – 7pm
• SUNY Schenectady, Elston Hall
  Wednesday, June 2 (each Wednesday in June), 9a – 11am
• Georgi Museum, Shushan, Washington County
  Wednesday, June 2, 12pm – 2:30pm
• Salem Courthouse Community Center, Washington County
  Wednesday, June 2, 3pm – 7pm
• Hudson Valley Community College
  Wednesday, June 2, 1pm – 7pm
• ValleyCats, Joe Bruno Stadium
  Thursday, June 4, 4pm – 7pm 

Albany County is now 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 in advance at (518) 447-7198.

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 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 other options for getting tested across Albany County with local partners. Please visit the Albany County website at the link here for a full list of locations, eligibility and types of tests. Residents who are experiencing symptoms or those who are worried they may have been exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to register for an appointment.

Applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will begin June 1 specifically for those who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The $2.7 billion in funding will be available to New Yorkers for up to one year of back rent, three months of future rental assistance and up to one year of owed utility payments. The program will be administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Additional information can be found at the link here.