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, 76.4% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 69.3% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 85.5%. 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 36,535 to date, with 149 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 160.2. 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 cases per 100,000 is now down to 48.9 and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is now down to 60.2.

There are now 544 active cases in Albany County, up from 536 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,107 from 1,190. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 35,991 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 115 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were eight new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are 61 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net increase of eight. Eight of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, down from nine yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 457 since the outbreak began. 

“Despite slightly lower daily COVID infections being reported in Albany County, it’s important to remember that we don’t know yet if this is a trend, and numbers in the triple digits should still be a concern. Additionally, the number of county residents in the hospital with the virus is again on the rise and is now up to a recent high of 61,” said County Executive McCoy. “The pandemic isn’t over and we need everyone to keep their guards up. Please get vaccinated if you haven’t already, get the booster shot if you have, and wear a mask while indoors so we can protect ourselves and our loved ones ahead of the winter months.”


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):

• Tuesday, December 14, from 4:30 to 7pm
o Stephen & Harriet Myers Middle School
o 100 Elbel Court, Albany, NY (register at the link here)

• 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.