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, 72.3% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 66.4% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 83.4%. 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 30,588 to date, with 82 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 84.8. 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 rate is now up to 3.8% and the Capital Region’s average remained at 3.8%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, 22 had close contacts to positive cases, 55 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one reported traveling out of state and four are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 562 active cases in the county, up from 539 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 1,030 from 942. So far 95,854 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 30,026 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 53 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were four new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now a total of 37 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of two. Seven of those hospital patients are in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. Unfortunately, there is one new COVID death to report – a man in his 60’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 421 since the outbreak began.

“Sadly, we lost another Albany County resident to complications from the Coronavirus, and my condolences go out to the family, and all of the families who have lost someone during the ongoing pandemic,” said County Executive McCoy. “We know that the vast majority of those who are getting seriously ill and dying from COVID infections are those who haven’t been vaccinated yet. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. We can prevent more tragedies and beat this virus if we increase our vaccination rates.”

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 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)

Wednesday, October 27, 5pm to 7pm
(Pfizer Booster & 1st Doses)
Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School
100 Elbel Court, Albany, New York 12209

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, & 2nd Doses; Johnson & Johnson)
Breakfast with Grand Street Community Arts
Corner of Madison Ave. & Grand St, Albany, NY

Saturday, November 13, time TBD
(Pfizer Booster, 1st, & 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.