Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy provided the latest report on the county’s progress on vaccinations and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 67.2% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 62.3% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 78%. 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 is now at 25,041 to date, with 80 new positive cases identified since yesterday. 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 up to 4.5%, and the Capital Region’s rate is now at 3.9%.

Among the new cases of COVID identified in the county, 15 had close contacts to positive cases, four reported traveling out of state, 55 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and six are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 290 active cases in the county, up from 259 since yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 471 from 455. So far, 81,049 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,751 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 45 additional recoveries.

The County Executive reported that there was one new hospitalization since yesterday, and eleven county residents are now hospitalized with the virus. There are now two patients currently in ICU’s. Additionally, there were no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 388 since the outbreak began.

“Today’s number of new positives is the highest we have reported in a single day since April 22nd when we had 20 people hospitalized and six patients in area ICU’s. This significant uptick is due to the highly contagious Delta variant. It spreads quickly, and even vaccinated people can catch and spread it. In fact, we have reported 292 new positive cases since August 2nd and there is no doubt that we need to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19,” said County Executive McCoy. “We are working to get further information on breakthrough cases but the only way we can beat this is to get more people vaccinated and reach herd immunity. I am asking you to get a shot if you haven’t yet, and if you have, encourage those you know who have not to get vaccinated to protect themselves and our community. The CDC has indicated the county has a substantial rate of community transmission and we are requiring everyone, vaccinated or not, who enters county-owned facilities to wear masks starting Monday, as recommended. Following the CDC guidelines, it is also highly recommended that all Albany County residents wear masks when indoors in public areas.”

Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:

Friday, August 13, 11am to 1pm
Bleecker Stadium, Albany Youth Workforce
721 Clinton Ave, Albany, NY

Friday, August 13, 11am to 2pm
PlayStreets 2021
Madison Park, Albany, NY

Tuesday, August 17 through Sunday, August 22; 12pm to 7:30pm
Altamont Fair
New York 146 & Arlington Street, Guilderland, NY

Saturday, August 28, 1pm to 4pm
Medusa Fest
28 County Route 351, Rensselaerville, NY

Saturday, August 28, time TBD
Friendship Festival w/ CDPHP
Mosher Park, 2 Park Drive, Ravena, NY


County Executive McCoy and the Albany County Department of Social Services continue to host a series of informational sessions across the county at the below dates and locations to educate residents, check their eligibility and help them sign up for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The federally funded program is specifically for those who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. All allocations will be sent directly to landlords or property owners on behalf of the tenants. More information on the program can be found at the link here.

ERAP Informational Session Schedule:

Tuesday, August 10, 1pm to 3pm
HATAS
143 Central Ave., Albany, NY 

Thursday, August 12, 8am to 11:30am
SUNY Albany
Dutch Quad, Albany, NY 12203 

Thursday, August 12, 1pm to 3pm
Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen
353 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12206

Friday, August 13, 10am to 12pm
Cultural Center
66 Quail Street, Albany, NY 12206 

Friday, August 13, 4pm to 9:30pm 
Canal Square Park
Cohoes NY 12047

Tuesday, August 17, 8am to 11:30am
Crosstown Plaza
Schenectady, NY 12304

Friday, August 20, 8am to 11am
Trinity Alliance Food Distribution
47 Lark Street, Albany, NY 


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 and Johnson & Johnson vaccines Monday through Friday, 9am - 3pm, each week at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street. The 12+ population is currently 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 a shot from 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 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 or the Albany County Department of Health at (518) 447-4580.