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, 72% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 66.1% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 83%. 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 29,769 to date, with 46 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 72.2. 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 now up to 3.4% and the Capital Region’s average is now up to 3.7%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, eleven had close contacts to positive cases, 33 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one reported travelling out of state and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate living setting. There are now 470 active cases in the county, down from 493 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 845 from 908. So far 93,508 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 29,299 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 68 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were two new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now a total of 39 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net increase of two. Nine of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, up from eight yesterday. Unfortunately, there is one new COVID death to report – an individual in their 80’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 413 since the outbreak began.

“Sadly, this is now the sixth day in a row I’ve had to report a new COVID death in Albany County, the latest being someone in their 80’s. And among the 39 county residents who are currently hospitalized, 62% are unvaccinated while 38% have gotten vaccinated,” said County Executive McCoy. “The best way to protect yourselves and loved ones and stop the spread of the virus is by getting the shot if you haven’t already and encouraging family and friends to do the same. And whether or not you’ve been vaccinated, I’m urging everyone to wear a mask while at indoor public places, because we know the virus can still spread among those who have gotten the shot.”

Between October 3 and October 9, the Albany County Health Department identified and analyzed 506 new COVID infections. Of those analyzed, 49.6% were not vaccinated, 45.6% were fully vaccinated, and 4.7% refused to answer or the vaccination status was unknown. 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.

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 Booster 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)

Monday, October 18, 5pm to 6pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st & 2nd Doses; Johnson & Johnson single dose available)
Food Not Bombs
Townsend Park, Albany, NY

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, NY
(Residents are encouraged to register in advance at the Albany County website here)

Thursday, October 28, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st & 2nd Doses)
Colonie Central High School
1 Raider Blvd, Colonie, NY

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.