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, 68.1% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 62.9% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 78.9%. 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 total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 25,694 to date, with 55 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 58.2. 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 4.4%, and the Capital Region’s rate is now up to 4.6%.

Among the new cases of COVID identified in the county, 17 had close contacts to positive cases, four reported traveling out of state, 33 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate living setting. There are now 398 active cases in the county, up from 395 since yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 684 from 661. So far, 82,569 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 25,296 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 49 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there was one new hospitalization since yesterday, and 18 county residents are now hospitalized with the virus – a net decrease of six. There are now two patients currently in ICU’s, down from three yesterday. Additionally, there are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 388 since the outbreak began.

“We know the vaccines are protecting the vast majority of residents from the worst illnesses caused by the virus, and I’ve made vaccine equity a top priority since the beginning. That’s why we have opportunities to get the shot in every corner of Albany County over the coming days,” said County Executive McCoy. “Whether you live in Albany, Colonie, Coeymans, Guilderland or the Hilltowns, we’re making it as easy as possible to do your part to get us to herd immunity and beat COVID.”

 
Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:
 
Thursday, August 19 through Sunday, August 22; 12pm to 7:30pm
Altamont Fair
New York 146 & Arlington Street, Guilderland, NY
 
Friday, August 20, 4pm to 6pm
Metropolitan Baptist Church
105 Second Street, Albany, NY

Thursday, August 26, 3pm to 6pm
Shaker Junior High School 
475 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY

Saturday, August 28, 1pm to 4pm
Medusa Fest
28 County Route 351, Rensselaerville, NY
 
Saturday, August 28, 4pm to 7pm
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:
  
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.