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, 62.8% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 55.8% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 73.5%. That compares to the statewide first dose vaccination rate of 54.7%, and full vaccination rate of 47.3%. 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 24,363 to date, an increase of two new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased from 6.8 to 5.8. 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 still 0.5%, and the Capital Region’s rate is still 0.6%.

Among the new cases of COVID in the county, both did not have clear sources of infection at this time. There are now 25 active cases in the county, down from 30 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 102 from 109. So far, 79,756 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,338 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of six recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there was one new hospitalization overnight, and six county residents remain hospitalized from the virus. There are two patients currently in ICU’s, down from three yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report and the death toll for Albany County stands at 383 since the outbreak began. 

“As vaccination rates continue to slow, I want to remind residents that we’re still offering a number of great incentives for those who get the shot at our vaccination clinics. We have Albany FireWolves tickets and free Stewart’s Shops ice cream cone coupons for kids, and $5 Dunkin’ gift cards for anyone else,” said County Executive McCoy. “The vaccine is safe and effective, and it’s the best way we’ll be able to get to herd immunity and protect our loved ones from COVID-19.” 

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 Capital 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.