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, 71.8% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 65.9% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 82.8%. More information on vaccination rates around the state 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 29,421 to date, with 95 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 82. 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 remained at 3.5% and the Capital Region’s average remained at 3.6%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, 21 had close contacts to positive cases, 70 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one reported traveling out of state and three are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 525 active cases in the county, up from 520 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 812 from 770. So far 92,067 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 28,896 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 89 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were seven new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there is now a total of 40 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net increase of five. Eleven of those patients remain in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. Unfortunately, there is one new COVID death to report – an individual in their 60’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 408 since the outbreak began.

“While our average percent positive rates have steadily declined over the last three weeks from a recent high of 4.8%, we’re still seeing far too many residents in the hospital with COVID right now, including two people who are younger than 25 years old. And sadly, another county resident has lost their life to complications from the virus. My condolences go out to the family and loved ones who are grieving,” said County Executive McCoy.

“We all need to be cautious with how the continued spread of the virus is impacting not only unvaccinated individuals and those with weakened immune systems, but our hospital system as well, especially as we continue to deal with a healthcare worker shortage. Please do your part by getting the shot if you haven’t yet, and wear a mask indoors whenever possible,” he continued. 

Anyone eligible to receive a COVID vaccine booster dose and would like to receive one from the Albany County Department of Health will be required to provide their vaccination card or the Excelsior Pass Plus in order to view the formula type, lot number and date of the inoculation. More information on the booster dose can be found at the New York State website here.


Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:
  
Saturday, October 16, 10am to 12pm
(Pfizer Boosters and 1st doses)
Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School
1738 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY
(Residents are encouraged to register in advance at the Albany County website here)

Saturday, October 23, 12pm to 3pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st & 2nd Doses; Johnson & Johnson single dose available)
Albany County’s Fall Fest
Lawson Lake County Park
293 Lawson Lake Road, Feura Bush
(Residents are encouraged to register in advance at the Albany County website here)

Saturday, November 6, 10 am to 12pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st, and 2nd Doses)
Breakfast with Grand Street Community Arts
Corner of Madison Ave. & Grand St, Albany, NY

Saturday, November 13, time TBD
(Pfizer Booster, 1st, and 2nd Doses)
Black Expo
Albany Capital Center
55 Eagle St, 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.