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, 76% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 68.4% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 85.2%. 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 35,451 to date, with 157 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 183.8. 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 remained at 6.5% and the Capital Region’s average rate is now down to 7.4%.

There are now 772 active cases in Albany County, up from 738 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 1,193 from 1,106. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 34,679 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 111 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were ten new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there is now a total of 52 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net increase of eight. Eleven of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, up from seven yesterday. Unfortunately, there was one new COVID death to report – a man in his 40’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 454 since the outbreak began.

“It has now been four consecutive days that I’ve reported at least one new COVID death in Albany County, with a total of nine deaths in December so far. While we’re seeing fewer hospitalizations and deaths in these last two weeks following Thanksgiving compared to the same time last year, new infections have far exceeded last year’s numbers and we still don’t know what kind of impact there will be on our hospitals. We can’t put our heads in the sand – we need to do more,” said County Executive McCoy.

“Mask wearing around the Capital Region has been limited, and any new mandate would require a regional approach for it to be truly effective. That’s why I’m partnering with Schenectady County to issue an official public health advisory strongly recommending all residents – regardless of vaccination status – wear masks at indoor public spaces, including private businesses. We’re also encouraging those same businesses to put up signage and require employees and customers to wear masks as well,” he continued.

“The situation in Albany County is very similar to what’s happening in Schenectady County. While our hospital system is not yet overrun, the majority of those who have been admitted because of COVID-19 are those who chose not to get vaccinated. Vaccines and boosters save lives, but masking is also critical, especially from a regional perspective. I’m proud to join County Executive McCoy by issuing this joint public health advisory to urge more people to utilize this added layer of protection,” said Schenectady County Manager Rory Fluman.

Of the 52 Albany County residents currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 69% are unvaccinated, 2% are partially vaccinated, and 29% are fully vaccinated. The average of this weekly reporting on vaccine status of hospitalized individuals dating back to August 14 now stands at 61.3% unvaccinated, 2.4% partially vaccinated, and 36.3% fully vaccinated.

Between November 28 and December 4, a total of 1,145 new COVID infections were identified in Albany County. Of those, 442 were vaccinated, 328 were not and 375 either refused to respond or had not yet been interviewed at the time these numbers were generated. Vaccine status for these infections and hospitalizations are self-reported by the case and provided without regard to the timing of vaccine administration and onset of illness. Data is provisional and subject to change as additional information is received.


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.