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, 79.0% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 71.6% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 88.0%. 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 41,939 to date, with 657 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 455.7. 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 114.6 and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is now up to 109.3.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were twelve new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now 67 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus. Seven of those hospital patients are in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. There are no new COVID deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 470 since the outbreak began.

“We’re starting the new year with an astounding number of new positive cases and I believe we will continue to see that number go up in the coming days after last night’s celebrations,” said County Executive McCoy. “As we enter our third year with COVID-19, I ask everyone to do the right thing to help stop the spread of the virus by getting a shot if you aren’t vaccinated or getting a booster if you are eligible; wear a mask indoors; stay six feet apart; wash your hands frequently and cough/sneeze into your elbow. Get tested if you have any symptoms and quarantine per the guidelines. Let’s all have a safe and healthy 2022 by taking these steps to protect ourselves and our community.”

County Executive McCoy continues to encourage residents to submit the positive results of at-home COVID testing on the county website, and they should utilize the online submission link here, or visit the Albany County website here.

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.