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, 79.8% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 72.3% are now fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 88.5%. 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 55,650 to date, with 610 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 1,084. 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 at 217.6 (average percent positivity rate of 18.3%) and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is at 222.8 (average percent positivity rate of 18.2%). The latest results may be found at the state tracker.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were ten new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now 120 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus. Fourteen of those hospital patients are in ICU’s, down two from yesterday. Unfortunately, there are three new COVID deaths to report – a woman in her 40’s, a woman in her 60’s and a man in his 80’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 487 since the outbreak began.

“Sadly, we’ve lost another three Albany County residents and my condolences go out to their loved ones. We know that getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection against infection. We continue to encourage everyone to get a shot or a booster if you haven’t already,” said County Executive McCoy. “We’ve been experiencing dangerously cold weather and we are expecting snow and ice to blanket much of our region starting tonight. Our Department of Public Works crews are ready to clear the roads but I ask that you stay home if possible to be safe and make their job easier.”

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 text their zip code to 898-211 or call 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.