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, 75.7% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 67.9% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 85%. 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 34,835 to date, with 238 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 171.4. 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 6.5% and the Capital Region’s average rate is now up to 8.2%.

There are now 675 active cases in the county, up from 627 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 1,099 from 1,055. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 34,160 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 178 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were five new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there is now a total of 44 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of nine. Ten of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, up from six yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 449 since the outbreak began.

“This is now the third consecutive day I’m reporting more than 200 new cases of COVID identified in Albany County within a 24-hour period. With 238 new infections, this is now the largest single day increase since January 23. And while our hospitalizations are beginning to trend down for now, it’s important to remember that there is typically an estimated two-week delay before we see hospitalizations spike after the latest surge of infections,” said County Executive McCoy.

“Our current infection rate along with reports that the Omicron variant has now been identified in New York are reminders of how important it is to get the COVID vaccine. And because the data shows that the vaccine’s effectiveness wanes over time, public health experts are encouraging all adults to get the booster shot after six months of getting vaccinated to ensure that they’re better protected from the virus,” 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):

• 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.