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 Monday, 75.5% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 67.7% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 84.8%. 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 34,609 to date, with 202 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 146.2. 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 rate is 6.2% and the Capital Region’s average rate is 7.9% (data last updated on state website on November 30).

There are now 627 active cases in the county, up from 588 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine jumped to 1,055 from 905. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 33,982 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 143 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were five new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there is now a total of 53 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of eight. Six of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, down from eight yesterday. Unfortunately, there are three new COVID deaths to report – a woman in her 50’s, another woman in her 80’s and a man in his 80’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 449 since the outbreak began.

“Today marks the second consecutive day that new daily COVID infections have topped 200 in Albany County. What’s worse, sadly I have to report three more Albany County residents have lost their lives to COVID complications, and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families. Every death is a tragedy that leaves loved ones devastated, and we need to do more to protect our community,” said County Executive McCoy.

“With news that the first Omicron variant has been identified in California, it’s even more important now that everyone get vaccinated if they haven’t already and to get the booster dose if they have. I’m proud to say the County was able to provide 110 vaccine doses at our walk-in clinic at the Health Department yesterday. And we also need everyone to wear masks indoors, whether they’ve gotten their shots or not, and to stay home if they’re feeling sick,” he continued. 


Upcoming School-Based Vaccination Clinics (please note that all vaccinations are by appointment only. Scheduling for pediatric shots for the 5-11 population will be handled by individual schools directly with parents of students from those specific schools. Pfizer 12+ 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and booster shots, as well as Moderna 18+ 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and booster shots will be available by appointment as well):

• Thursday, December 2, from 4:30 to 7pm
o Menands Union Free School
o 19 Wards Lane, Menands, NY
o Register for appointments at the link here

• Wednesday, December 8, from 4:30 to 7pm
o Blue Creek Elementary School
o 100 Clinton St., Latham, NY

• Monday, December 13, from 4:30 to 7pm
o Guilderland Elementary School
o 2225 Western Ave, Guilderland, NY

• Tuesday, December 14, from 4:30 to 7pm
o Stephen & Harriet Myers Middle School
o 100 Elbel Court, Albany, NY

• Thursday, December 16, from 4:30 to 7pm
o Sand Creek Middle School
o 329 Sand Creek Road, Albany, NY


Residents can also receive free Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines (including booster shots) Monday through Friday, 9am - 3pm, each week at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street. Aside from Wednesdays, appointments are now required, which can be made at the link here.  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.

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 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. 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.