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, 80.1% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 72.7% are now fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 88.8%. 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 58,146 to date, with 320 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 415.4. 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 now down to 105.1 (average percent positivity rate of 11.8%) and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is down to 118.9 (average percent positivity rate of 12.5%). The latest data may be found at the state tracker here.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were eleven new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now 105 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of thirteen. Sixteen of those hospital patients are still in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. Unfortunately, there is one new COVID death to report – a man in his 60’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 499 since the outbreak began.

“Sadly I have to report the latest Albany County resident losing their life to COVID complications – a man in his 60’s. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones. This pandemic has taken too many from us too soon over the last nearly two years, and that’s why we continue to work towards increasing our vaccination and booster shot rates and getting at-home test kits out into the community,” said County Executive McCoy.

“While any death is tragic news, we continue to see signs of progress with a declining infection rate in the county as well as a significant drop in the total number of residents currently in the hospital with the virus, which is now at its lowest level since January 7. I encourage everyone to continue doing the right things by wearing masks in public, practicing social distancing, and staying home and getting tested if their feeling sick,” 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 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.