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, 61.3% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 53.6% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 72.2%. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 52.8%, and full vaccination rate of 44.8%. 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 68,321 first and second doses of the vaccine to date. The County Executive was joined at today’s press briefing by Sheriff Craig Apple, Sr.

County Executive McCoy announced that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 24,314 to date, an increase of nine new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased from 13.4 to 12.6. 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 1.2%, and the Capital Region’s rate is still 1.1%.

Among the new cases of COVID in the county, four had close contact with positive cases, four did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one had travelled and none are healthcare workers or residents of a congregate living setting. There are now 101 active cases in the county, up from 100 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 267 from 292. So far, 79,399 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,213 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 9 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were two new hospitalizations overnight, and ten county residents are now 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 numbers continue to move in the right direction and we are in a much better place than we were a year ago,” said County Executive McCoy. “This time last year, we were also struggling in the aftermath of rioting after a peaceful rally for justice. Businesses were looted, windows broken and buildings destroyed. That was disturbing and we are still going through difficult times when kids can’t walk down the street or ride their bikes out of fear of violence or shootings. That’s why I asked Sheriff Apple to join me today to talk about the work he is doing with the city to turn things around.”

Sheriff Apple said the Albany County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Albany Police Department, sometimes riding with them and sometimes on separate patrols. Their focus is on low-level offenses like driving without licenses or insurance or using fake license plates. He said they will start on the small offenses and work their way up and will saturate the city with coverage.

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.

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.

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.

Albany County, CDPHP and Focus Churches of Albany are hosting weekly Pfizer vaccination clinics at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 275 State Street in Albany. Today, residents can get vaccinated until 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 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.