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, 69.7% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose, and 63.9% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 80.6%. More information on vaccination rates can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here.  
 
County Executive McCoy was joined at today’s press briefing by City School District of Albany Superintendent Kaweeda Adams and Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen.

County Executive McCoy announced that the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 26,800 to date, with 97 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 78.8. 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 5.1%, and the Capital Region’s rate is now 4.8%.

Among the new cases of COVID identified in the county, 23 had close contacts to positive cases, 63 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, four reported traveling out of state, and seven are healthcare workers or residents of a congregate living setting. There are now 516 active cases in the county, up from 497 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 824 from 820. So far, 85,010 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 26,208 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 76 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there were three new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 25 county residents are hospitalized with the virus. There are now seven patients in ICU’s, down from nine yesterday. Sadly, there was one new COVID death to report – an individual in their 40s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 397 since the outbreak began.

Albany County Department of Health reported that of the eight deaths the county has seen since August 27, four of the deaths were of fully vaccinated individuals; one reported being vaccinated but was unconfirmed and the others were not vaccinated. The age breakdown was one in their 30s, two in their 40s, two in their 50s, two in their 60s and one in their 70s.

“We know that the best way to protect ourselves is to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Sadly, we’ve lost another Albany County resident to the virus and again, I offer my condolences to all of the families whose loved ones have died from COVID-19,” said County Executive McCoy. “Everyone needs to remain vigilant, follow CDC guidelines and consider the health and safety of others.”

Superintendent Adams shared that it was day two of student orientation days in the City School District of Albany and priorities for the year include social-emotional and mental health supports, educational technology, safety and security, ventilation/air filtration and accelerated learning and academic support.

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.