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, 68.6% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose, and 63.2% has been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 79.4%. More information on vaccination rates can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here. Albany County has now administered or reallocated 72,587 first and second doses of the vaccine.
 
County Executive McCoy announced that the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 26,007 to date, with 47 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 66.6. 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 3.9%, and the Capital Region’s rate is remains at 4.2%.

Among the new cases of COVID identified in the county, 17 had close contacts to positive cases, two reported traveling out of state, 24 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and four are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 384 active cases in the county, down from 393 since yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 606 from 626. So far, 83,409 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 25,623 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 49 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there were three new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 19 county residents are now hospitalized with the virus – a net decrease of one. There are still three patients currently in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 389 since the outbreak began.

“According to the data we’re receiving from our hospitals, among the 19 county residents who are currently hospitalized with the virus, eight are fully vaccinated and 11 are not. As we’ve seen in the past, COVID is far more dangerous to seniors and those with weakened immune systems, and even being vaccinated won’t give you a 100% guarantee that you won’t get sick,” said County Executive McCoy. “However, getting the shot dramatically reduces your chances of getting seriously ill, which is shown by our consistently low ICU numbers and death rates, especially compared to this past winter.”

For the new COVID infections identified between August 15 and August 21, 187 were fully vaccinated, 211 had not received a single shot and for 25 individuals, the vaccination status was unknown. Vaccine status is self-reported by the case and provided without regard to the timing of vaccine administration and onset of illness.


Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:
  
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.