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, 80.7% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 73.3% are now fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 89.3%. 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 61,130 to date, with 101 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 162.8. 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 47.2 (with an average percent positive rate of 8.5%), and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is down to 43.4 (with an average percent positive rate of 7.6%). The latest data can be found at the state tracker here.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were six new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there are now 64 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of three. Of those hospital patients, 13 are currently in ICU’s, up from twelve yesterday. Unfortunately, there are two COVID deaths to report – a woman in her 50’s and another woman in her 60’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 524 since the outbreak began.

“It saddens me to have to report the latest COVID deaths in Albany County, and my condolences go out to the families and loved ones who are mourning these losses. Despite the progress we’re making in controlling the spread of this virus, COVID-19 is still a threat, especially for the unvaccinated and those with compromised immune systems and underlying health conditions,” said County Executive McCoy.

“While the statewide mask or proof of vaccination requirement for businesses has been rescinded, the pandemic isn’t over, and I continue to encourage people to take the proper precautions to stay safe, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness caused by COVID and have not gotten a shot. That means wearing a mask in crowded places, practicing social distance, and staying home and taking a COVID test if you are feeling sick. And as a reminder, it’s not too late to get vaccinated if you haven’t already,” he continued. 

Albany County is hosting another free COVID vaccination clinic at Philip J. Schuyler Achievement Academy, 676 Clinton Ave, Albany, NY 12206 on Thursday, February 17; from 4:30pm to 7pm. Registration is not required, though it is strongly encouraged. Pfizer and Moderna doses will be available, as well as boosters for all eligible populations. Please use the link here to sign up in advance.

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.