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, 78.8% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 71.5% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 87.8%. 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 39,990 to date, with 471 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 285.4. 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 cases per 100,000 is up to 74.9 and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is now up to 70.2.

There are now 1,122 active cases in Albany County, up from 1,028 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 2,063 from 1,930. Of those who have completed quarantine to date, 38,868 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 336 additional recoveries.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were eight new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are 58 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of three. Seven of those hospital patients are now in ICU’s, down from eight yesterday. There is one new COVID death to report – a woman in her 60’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 470 since the outbreak began.

“Not only is today’s 471 new COVID infections the highest single-day increase ever reported since the pandemic started, but it also far exceeds Albany County’s previous record of 351 we reported on January 12. While concerning, it’s still unclear what kind of impact this will have on our hospitals and for now, COVID hospitalizations seem relatively stable, though there is a lag in time after a spike in infections,” said County Executive McCoy.

“We know vaccinations and boosters are doing their jobs in preventing many serious illnesses and hospitalizations caused by the virus, and the initial evidence is showing that the Omicron variant is comparatively less dangerous than Delta. With that being said, we can’t predict the future and we still need everyone to remain vigilant. Please continue to do your part by getting vaccinated, getting the booster shot, wearing masks indoors, and getting tested and staying home if you’re feeling sick,” he continued.

Residents can 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.