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, 80.2% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 72.8% 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 58,699 to date, with 260 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 349.8. 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 93.2 (with an average percent positivity rate of 10.7%) and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is down to 106.6 (with an average percent positivity rate of 11.3%). The latest data may be found at the state tracker here.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were eight new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now 101 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of six. Fifteen of those hospital patients are currently in ICU’s, down from 16 yesterday.

Unfortunately, there are eight new COVID deaths to report, however five of the deaths were previously unreported to the Albany County Health Department by congregate care facilities from earlier in the month, though none were residents of Shaker Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Of the newly reported deaths, one occurred on January 2, one on January 8, one on January 11, one on January 22 and two occurred on January 27 of this year. The other three deaths happened overnight. Among the eight deaths were a man in his 50’s, a man in his 60’s, two men in their 70’s, a woman in her 80’s, and three women in their 90’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 508 since the outbreak began.

“Having now received the reports on five additional deaths that occurred in local nursing homes that were brought to our attention, along with the three new deaths over the last 24 hours, we see that this has been a deadlier month than we had thought. These individuals now bring our COVID death total to 38 for January. My condolences go out to the families who have lost someone to this pandemic,” said County Executive McCoy.

“And while this is certainly tragic news, 38 is far fewer than the 77 COVID deaths we reported this far into January last year. I am hopeful that as our infection rate continues to trend downward in Albany County, the Capital Region and the rest of the state that we will see fewer hospitalizations and deaths moving forward,” 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.