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, 71.3% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 65.4% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 82.3%. 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 28,499 to date, with 70 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 87.8. 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 3.9% and the Capital Region’s average rate is 3.7%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, eight had close contacts to positive cases, 56 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one had traveled and five are healthcare workers or residents of a congregate living setting. There are now 540 active cases in the county, down from 550 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 891 from 1,030. So far 89,328 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 27,959 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 77 additional recoveries.
 
The County Executive reported that there were four new hospitalizations since yesterday, and 35 county residents are still hospitalized with the virus. There are still seven patients in ICU’s, unchanged since the last update. There are no new COVID deaths to report and the death toll for Albany County stands at 401 since the outbreak began.

“I am cautiously optimistic as our number of new positive cases over the last two days has dropped under 100, however our hospitalization numbers remain at higher levels,” said County Executive McCoy. “I know we are all tired of COVID but this isn’t over yet. Continue to wear a mask indoors, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, cough into your arm or elbow, stay home if you are sick and encourage those who are not vaccinated to get a shot.”

 
Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics (all offering Pfizer vaccine):

Saturday, October 2, 10am to 12pm

Breakfast with Grand Street Community Arts

68 Grand Street, Albany, 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.

COVID-19 testing continues to be available throughout Albany County and the Capital Region. Help finding a testing site near you can be found at the New York State website here and the Albany County website here.