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, 70% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose, and 64.2% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 80.9%. 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 27,082 to date, with 48 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 60.2. 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 4.6%, and the Capital Region’s rate also remains at 4.6%.

Among the new cases of COVID identified in the county, 12 had close contacts to positive cases, 33 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, two reported traveling out of state, and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate living setting. There are now 460 active cases in the county, down from 468 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 678 from 701. So far, 85,862 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 26,622 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 52 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there were three new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 29 county residents are now hospitalized with the virus – a net increase of one. There are currently six patients in ICU’s, down from seven yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 398 since the outbreak began.

“Today marks another important milestone for Albany County, with 70% of all residents now having received at least the first dose of the COVID vaccine. I want to thank each and every one of you who have done your part so far in our fight against this virus by rolling up your sleeves,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“As we see vaccination rates rise, we’re also seeing a shift in the vaccination status of those in our hospitals with the virus. Our most recent data from last week shows 66% of the 29 county residents hospitalized at the time were not vaccinated, while 34% were. I’m hopeful that we can get even more people vaccinated at our pop up clinics coming up throughout the county to prevent more dangerous hospitalizations,” he continued.

Among the 523 new infections identified and analyzed between August 29 and September 4, 253 people were fully vaccinated, 224 were not vaccinated, and for 46 cases, the vaccination status was unknown or the individual refused to answer. Vaccine status is self-reported by the case and provided without regard to the timing of vaccine administration and onset of illness. Data is provisional and subject to change as additional information is received.


Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics (all offering Pfizer vaccine):
  
Saturday, September 11, 12pm to 4pm
Mississippi Day
25 Warren Street, Albany, NY

Saturday, September 11, 2pm to 5pm
Coeyman Riverfest
Coeymans Landing Park
20 Marina Drive, Coeymans, NY

Saturday, September 18, time TBD
Medusa Pancake Breakfast
Medusa Firehouse, 28 County Route 351, Rensselaerville

Saturday, September 18, time TBD
Innovation Block Party
Ezra Prentice Albany Housing Authority
South Pearl Street, Albany


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.