Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today provided the latest update on the county’s progress on vaccinations and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 72.8% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 66.9% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 83.9%. 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 31,685 to date, with 108 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 73.6. 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 down to 3.3% and the Capital Region’s average remains at 3.8%.

Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, 30 had close contacts to positive cases, 72 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one reported traveling out of state, and five are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 530 active cases in the county, up from 513 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine jumped to 1,137 from 1,035. So far 99,232 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 31,155 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 86 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were three new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now a total of 34 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net increase of two. Nine of those hospital patients are in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 426 since the outbreak began.

“Another day of new daily COVID infections in the triple digits is evidence that the pandemic is not over and we need to remain vigilant. On top of that, we’re entering flu season and the colder winter months when people will be congregating indoors more often, which could make matters worse,” said County Executive McCoy. “I continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated if they haven’t already, wear masks while indoors, and get the flu shot so we can protect our community, especially our most vulnerable.”

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, November 6, 10 am to 12pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Doses; Johnson & Johnson Booster and 1st Dose)
Breakfast with Grand Street Community Arts
Corner of Madison Ave. & Grand St, Albany, NY
(Residents are encouraged to register in advance at the link here)

Saturday, November 6, 10 am to 12pm
(Pfizer and Moderna Boosters, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Doses; Johnson & Johnson 1st Dose and Booster)
Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School
1793 Helderberg Trail, Berne
(Residents are encouraged to register in advance at the link here)

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.