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, 75.8% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 68.1% 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 35,022 to date, with 209 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 198.2. 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 now up to 6.7% and the Capital Region’s average rate remained at 8.2%.

There are now 667 active cases in the county, down from 675 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,002 from 1,099. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 34,355 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 195 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were eight new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there is now a total of 47 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net increase of three. Seven of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, down from ten yesterday. Unfortunately, there were two new COVID deaths to report – a man in his 40’s and a woman in her 70’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 451 since the outbreak began.

“It saddens me to have to report two more county residents losing their battle with COVID, and my condolences go out to the families. This pandemic has taken its toll on so many of us and I know everyone wants it to be over. But we also know that COVID isn’t done with us yet, and we need to continue the mitigation strategies that are proven to slow the spread of the virus,” said County Executive McCoy. “Please get vaccinated if you haven’t already, get a booster shot if you’ve gotten vaccinated at least six months ago, get tested and wear a mask indoors and at crowded places.”


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
o Register for appointments at the link here

• 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.