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, 78.3% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 71.2% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 87.5%. 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 37,670 to date, with 154 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 200. 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 up to 54.2 and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is now up to 59.9.

There are now 776 active cases in Albany County, up from 733 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine jumped up to 1,535 from 1,428. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 36,894 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 84 additional recoveries.
 
County Executive McCoy reported that there were seven new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are 61 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of one. Six of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, down from eight yesterday. Sadly, there are three new COVID deaths to report – a man and a woman in their 60’s and another woman in her 80’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 464 since the outbreak began. 

“Coming off of a weekend when I had to report four deaths, it saddens me to have to report three more county residents losing their lives to COVID complications since yesterday. Losing a loved one is never easy, but it happening so close to the holidays can be especially difficult,” said County Executive McCoy.

“These deaths show us that COVID is still a threat and we’re not out of the woods yet. We need to take the proper precautions to protect ourselves and those around us. Please get vaccinated if you haven’t, get the booster shot if you have, wear masks indoors, and stay home and get tested for COVID if you’re feeling sick,” he continued. 

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.