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, 81.4% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine and 74.2% are now fully vaccinated. Among the eligible population, 64.3% have now received the booster shot.  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 63,257 to date, with 80 new infections identified since yesterday and 214 new infections since the last update on Tuesday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now up to 56.1 from 48.4. 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 COVID cases per 100,000 is now up to 11.3 (with an average percent positive rate of 3.8%), and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is down to 12.4 (with an average percent positive rate of 3.5%). The latest data and trends can be found at the state tracker here.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were three new COVID hospitalizations since yesterday and six new hospitalizations overall since Tuesday. There are now 12 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – down from 13 since the last update. Of those hospital patients, there is still one currently in the ICU. There are no new COVID deaths to report since the last update, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 538 since the outbreak began.

“I’m happy that I can report no new COVID deaths in Albany County since the last update on our pandemic response and the number of people in the hospital with the virus remains stable, despite the continued uptick in daily infections. As the new Omicron subvariant drives up infection rates across the state, it’s critical that more people get vaccinated and get their booster shots,” said County Executive McCoy. “That’s why the County is hosting a pop-up vaccine clinic tomorrow at Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls. I encourage both parents and their children to get the shot to better protect themselves from the virus.”

Albany County’s COVID vaccination clinic will be held tomorrow at Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls at 250 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 from 10am to 11am. Pfizer and Moderna first, second, and third doses as well as first boosters will be available for anyone at least five years old. Appointments are not required, but they are strongly encouraged. Registration is available at the link here.

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 Countywebsite 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 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.