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, 70.6% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 64.8% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 81.6%. More information on vaccination rates can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here.
 
County Executive McCoy announced that the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 27,775 to date, with 102 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 79.4. 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 4.6%, and the Capital Region’s average rate is now down to 4.3%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, 25 had close contacts to positive cases, 69 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, five reported traveling out of state and three are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 498 active cases in the county, up from 461 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 977 from 913. So far 87,296 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 27,277 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 63 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there were six new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 36 county residents are now hospitalized with the virus – a net increase of two. There are currently seven patients in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 400 since the outbreak began.

“Today marks the second consecutive day that more than 100 new cases of COVID were identified within a 24-hour period. This shows that the spread of the virus doesn’t seem to be slowing down, and we know that even vaccinated individuals can still spread it without actually getting sick,” said County Executive McCoy. “Everyone can play a role in helping us beat COVID-19 for good – whether it’s getting the shot, encouraging others to get the shot, or wearing a mask while indoors and at large outdoor gatherings, especially as we welcome back PearlPalooza to Albany tomorrow.”


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, NY

Saturday, September 18, 1pm to 4pm
Innovation Block Party
Ezra Prentice, Albany Housing Authority
South Pearl Street, Albany, NY

Wednesday, September 22, 9am to 12pm
DePaula Auto Group
1101 Central Ave, Albany, NY

Wednesday, September 22, 5pm to 7pm
Shaker Middle School
475 Watervliet Shaker Road Latham, 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.