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, 69.1% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose, and 63.6% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 80%. 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 26,419 to date, with 80 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 88. 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 4.7%, and the Capital Region’s rate is now down to 4.5%.

Among the new cases of COVID identified in the county, 18 had close contacts to positive cases, 57 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and five are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 469 active cases in the county, up from 467 since yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine remains at 755. So far, 84,157 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 25,950 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 72 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there were four new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 26 county residents remain hospitalized with the virus. There are still six patients currently in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. Sadly, there are two new COVID deaths to announce – a man in his 50’s and another man in his 60’s. The death reported yesterday was a woman in her 70’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 392 since the outbreak began.

“It breaks my heart to have to have to report two more residents who lost their battle with COVID overnight, especially after having just announced another death yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with the families, and all of the families who have lost loved ones during the pandemic,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“COVID isn’t done with us yet, and we still need to do more to get more people vaccinated, despite having now hit the major milestone of an 80% first dose vaccination rate for our adult population. And until then, I continue to strongly urge everyone to wear masks in public places, because we know the Delta variant can still be spread by those who are vaccinated,” he continued.
  
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.