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, 79.2% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 71.8% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 88.1%. 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 44,770 to date, with 1,010 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 668.4. 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 165.7 and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is now up to 171.2.

There are now 4,662 active cases in Albany County, up from 3,949 yesterday. The number of individuals under quarantine increased to 5,271 from 4,535.  So far, 40,108 of those who tested positive have now recovered, an increase of 261 additional recoveries.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were twelve new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now 99 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of ten. Twelve of those hospital patients are in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. Unfortunately, there is one new COVID death to report – a woman in her 30’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 474 since the outbreak began.

“Sadly, I have to report another COVID death today, along with a new daily infection record of 1,010. This is the highest we’ve ever seen in Albany County since the pandemic started and the second time daily cases broke into the thousands in the last week. To put that number into perspective, the largest single day increase we recorded last winter was 351, and this goes to show you just how contagious the Omicron variant is,” said County Executive McCoy.

“In order to respond to the latest surge of COVID infections driven by the Omicron variant, I’m proud to once again distribute additional test kits that we’ve secured from Governor Hochul and our state partners. Today we will be distributing more than 10,000 test kits to our local cities, towns and villages based on population. We will also be partnering with Stewart’s Shops in Albany County’s rural communities to ensure there is equity for those who do not have easily accessible COVID testing sites near them. The locations, dates and times will be announced soon," he continued. 

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.