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, 62.5% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 55% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 73.2%. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 54.2%, and full vaccination rate of 46.5%. 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 69,345 first and second doses to date.

“We continue to literally move the needle on the number of people getting vaccinated and it is great news that over 73% of the county’s 18+ population has gotten its first dose,” said County Executive McCoy. “There are many opportunities throughout the Capital Region to walk in and get your shot. I encourage anyone who is out this weekend and interested to stop into one of the sites. It’s fast, convenient and free.”

County Executive McCoy announced that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 24,349 to date, an increase of nine new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased from 4.4 to 5.6. 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 0.5%, and the Capital Region’s rate is 0.7%.

Among the new cases of COVID in the county, one reported having close contact with positive cases, six did not have clear sources of infection at this time, two had travelled and none are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 33 active cases in the county, down from 37 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 77 from 78. So far, 79,705 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,316 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of eight recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there was one new hospitalization overnight, and eight county residents are now hospitalized from the virus. 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.

Upcoming Albany County Sponsored Vaccination Clinics (eligibility is currently the 12+ age group and walk-ins are welcome):

• Tuesday, June 8, from 4pm to 6:30pm
  West Hill Refugee Welcome Center
  104 Ontario St, Albany
  Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available
  Collaboration between Albany County DOH and CDPHP
• Thursday, June 10, from 4pm to 7pm
  Albany CAP Center, 55 Eagle Street, Albany
  Pfizer first and second doses to be administered
• Sunday, June 13, from 2pm to 4pm
  Capital District Latinos, 160 Central Ave, Albany
  Pfizer first and second doses and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to be administered
• Wednesday, June 16, from 4pm to 7pm
  Ravena – location TBD due to space considerations 
  Pfizer first and second doses and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to be administered
  A collaboration between Albany County DOH and CDPHP
• Tuesday, June 22, from 4pm to 6:30pm
  West Hill Refugee Welcome Center
  104 Ontario St, Albany
  Pfizer first and second doses and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to be administered
  A collaboration between Albany County DOH and CDPHP
• Tuesday, June 22, from 4:30 to 7:30pm
  Shaker Jr. High School, 475 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Latham
  Pfizer second doses to be administered only
  A collaboration between Albany County DOH, North & South Colonie School Districts and Colonie EMS

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

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) began on 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.