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, 68.3% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 63% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 79.2%. 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 25,885 to date, with 90 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 70. 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 4.2%, and the Capital Region’s rate is now 4.4%.

Among the new cases of COVID identified in the county, 20 had close contacts to positive cases, three reported traveling out of state, 65 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and two are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 405 active cases in the county, down from 411 since yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 659 from 676. So far, 82,973 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 25,450 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 91 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there were six new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 21 county residents are now hospitalized with the virus. There are still three patients currently in ICU’s. There are no new COVID deaths to report and the death toll for Albany County stands at 389 since the outbreak began.

“Once again, we have hit a milestone in reporting the highest number of new positive cases in a single day since April first,” said County Executive McCoy. “The Delta variant continues to show us it is highly contagious and we need to take that seriously by encouraging unvaccinated friends and neighbors to get a shot and by following CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread.” 

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

Friday, August 27, 5pm to 6pm
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area
21 Delaware Avenue,   Albany, 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
 
 
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.