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, 70.4% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose, and 64.6% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 81.4%. 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 27,460 to date, with 64 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 79.6. 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 now up to 4.4%, and the Capital Region’s rate is now down to 4.3%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, 19 had close contacts to positive cases, 39 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, 1 reported traveling out of state, and 5 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 454 active cases in the county, down from 468 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 762 from 779. So far, 86,693 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 27,006 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 75 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there were 3 new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 36 county residents are now hospitalized with the virus – a net increase of 1. There are currently 8 patients in ICU’s, up from 7 yesterday. There is 1 new COVID death to report – a man in his 80’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 399 since the outbreak began.

“It saddens me to have to report yet another county resident losing their battle with COVID, tragically bringing our total to just shy of 400 deaths since the pandemic started. This comes as the CDC releases a new study showing that unvaccinated individuals were 10 times more likely to be sent to the hospital and 11 times more likely to die after getting infected with the virus than those who have been vaccinated,” said County Executive McCoy. “If you don’t get the shot, you are not protected from COVID, and you’re at an even higher risk of spreading it to your family and friends. Please do your part and roll up your sleeve for the greater good of our community.” 


Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics (all offering Pfizer vaccine):
  
Saturday, September 18, 8am to 10am 
Medusa Pancake Breakfast
Medusa Firehouse, 28 County Route 351, Rensselaerville

Saturday, September 18, 1pm to 4pm
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.