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, 67.5% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 62.5% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 78.3%. 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 is now at 25,269 to date, with 51 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 48.4. 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 5.0%, and the Capital Region’s rate is still 4.4%.

Among the new cases of COVID identified in the county, 13 had close contacts to positive cases, six reported traveling out of state, 29 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and three are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 351 active cases in the county, up from 335 since yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 696 from 651. So far, 81,537 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 24,918 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 33 additional recoveries.

The County Executive reported that there were three new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 21 county residents are now hospitalized with the virus – a net increase of three. There are still four patients currently in ICU’s, unchanged since the last update. Additionally, there were no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 388 since the outbreak began.

“Unfortunately, we continue to see an upward trend in COVID hospitalizations in Albany County. We now have the highest number of residents in the hospital with the virus at a given time since May 11. It was only ten days ago when that number was down to five,” said County Executive McCoy. “As we’ve seen across the U.S., the vast majority of those who are hospitalized have not been vaccinated. I continue to urge people to get the shot if they haven’t already. And if you have, please encourage friends and families to do the same. We’re hosting vaccine clinics every day, and we still have a homebound delivery option as well.”

County Executive McCoy is also urging caution as the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning for parts of Albany County and the Capital Region, which went into effect today at 10am and is expected to last until 8pm. Heat indices (temperatures combined with humidity factor) could reach into the triple digits for parts of the county, including Voorheesville and Guilderland. Residents should remember to stay hydrated, avoid any over-exertion if they need to be outside and to check on any older neighbors and those with underlying health conditions when possible. There are a number of public places with air-conditioning to stay cool, including local malls and libraries. 


Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:

Thursday, August 12, 2pm to 5pm
SNUG Day 2021
469 Livingston Avenue, Albany, NY

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:

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.