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, 76.1% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 68.6% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 85.3%. 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 35,815 to date, with 204 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 173.4. 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 rates is now down to 6.3% and the Capital Region’s average rate is now down to 7.0%.

There are now 751 active cases in Albany County, down from 787 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 1,339 from 1,328. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 35,064 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 225 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were seven new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now 54 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of one. Ten of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. Unfortunately, there is one new COVID death to report – a man in his 80’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 456 since the outbreak began.

“With over 200 new cases of COVID-19 being recorded in Albany County in just the last 24 hours, it’s clear that we are still feeling the surge of infections after holiday celebrations in November and the colder weather. What’s even worse is that today is now the sixth consecutive day I’ve reported at least one new COVID death here, which is now the eleventh we’ve had this month,” said County Executive McCoy.

“We have the weapons in our arsenal to fight back against the pandemic, but we need everyone to work together as a community and do their part to protect each other. I’m urging the public to wear masks indoors and in crowded spaces – regardless of whether you’ve been vaccinated – and to get the vaccine and the booster shot. We also need people to stay home and get tested if they’re feeling sick, and to cough and sneeze into their arms.”


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):

• 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.