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, 81.1% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 73.8% are now fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 89.6%. 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 has now reached 62,228 to date, with 56 new infections identified since yesterday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now 39.2. 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 COVID cases per 100,000 is now down to 9.7 (with an average percent positive rate of 2.7%), and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is down to 12.6 (with an average percent positive rate of 3.1%). The latest data can be found at the state tracker here.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were five new COVID hospitalizations since yesterday and there are now 23 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus. Of those hospital patients, two are currently in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. Unfortunately, there are three new COVID deaths to report – a man and woman in their 80’s and a woman in her 60’s. These deaths were previously unreported and identified as data was reviewed. The death toll for Albany County still now stands at 531 since the outbreak began.

“My condolences to the family and friends of the three people who lost their lives recently to COVID-19 and that were identified as data was reviewed,” said County Executive McCoy. “While our numbers have been encouraging overall, I remind everyone that the virus is still with us and we need to protect others by practicing good hand hygiene, coughing/sneezing into our arms, following CDC guidelines and getting vaccinated.”

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.

Albany County is hosting vaccination clinics open to the public on the following dates and locations. Registration is strongly encouraged by going to the link here and clicking on the appropriate clinic link:

• Thursday, 3/10 from 4:30 to 7pm at Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy,  676 Clinton Ave., Albany
• Saturday, 3/12 from 10am to 11am at Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls, 250 Central Ave., Albany

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 required and 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.