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, 62% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 54.4% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 72.8%. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 53.7%, and full vaccination rate of 45.9%. 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 24,335 to date, an increase of seven new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased from 5.6 to 4.8. 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 now down to 0.6%, and the Capital Region’s rate is down to 0.7%.

Among the new cases of COVID in the county, no one reported having close contact with positive cases, six did not have clear sources of infection and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate living setting. There are now 48 active cases in the county, down from 49 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased slightly to 101 from 95. So far, 79,642 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,287 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of seven recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were two new hospitalizations overnight, and 11 county residents are now hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of one. There are still four patients currently in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 382 since the outbreak began. 

“Albany County is now seeing the lowest increases in new infections since the end of August of last year, and we have the vaccine and everyone supporting these efforts to thank for that. Vaccinations are saving lives, but unfortunately we’re seeing enthusiasm continue to dwindle, with our first dose vaccination rate increasing by only 1% over the last week,” said County Executive McCoy. “I continue to ask those who have already gotten the shot to encourage their friends and family to do the same. And for those who are still on the fence, please talk to your doctor, your pediatrician or our Department of Health staff for more information on the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.” 

Albany County will be hosting a Pfizer vaccination clinic Thursday, June 3 at the Albany Capital Center at 55 Eagle Street in Albany, from 4pm to 7pm. The vaccine will be available for anyone who is at least 12 years old. An appointment is not necessary, but residents can register in advance at the link here. Free parking is available at the nearby Renaissance Hotel parking garage.


Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics (shared by the Capital Region Covid Vaccine Regional Advisory Task Force):

Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady, Adeline Wright Graham Clubhouse
Saturdays in June, 12pm – 4pm

Schenectady Green Market- Hon. Karen B Johnson Library (outside)
Sundays in June, 10am – 2pm

SUNY Schenectady, Elston Hall
Mondays in June, 5pm – 7pm

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 continues to deliver 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 today 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.