Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there are now 1,386 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County, an increase of 11 over the last 24 hours. The five-day average of daily new positive cases has now dropped to 15.4, and today is the third consecutive day of decreasing daily numbers. Additionally, there are now 881 people under mandatory quarantine and 19 people under precautionary quarantine. To date, 3,471 individuals have completed quarantine, with 867 of them having tested positive and recovered. 

Sadly, one county resident passed away since yesterday’s briefing, bringing the county’s total to 62. With 31 people now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at 2.23%, down slightly from 2.25% yesterday. The number of those individuals who are in Intensive Care Units (ICU) is still at seven. Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen joined the County Executive for the briefing.

“The data we’re receiving each day continues to leave us with hope for safely reopening the economy in a timely fashion with new protocols in place that gives workers and customers the peace of mind they deserve. As we reimagine what the new normal looks like, there are still a number of issues New York needs to address, including childcare for children whose parents are returning to work, and creating safe environments at schools for teachers and the more than 40,000 students with disabilities who need hands-on support,” said County Executive McCoy.

“Furthermore, we need to be able to get adults the education and training they need to become certified as healthcare workers in order relieve the ones who are currently on the frontlines and sacrificing so much every day,” he continued.

In honor of National Police Week, the County Executive took time during the briefing to thank law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, especially now with the added dangers of COVID-19.

The remainder of this week’s schedule for walk-up community COVID-19 testing is below, a partnership between Albany County and the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center. As a regional approach is taken to reopen the economy, testing has been expanded to address additional areas in the Capital Region. The schedule is based on demand and mobile site locations are updated weekly based on that need. To date, 1,068 people have been tested at the sites in Albany County. All testing is by appointment only, after being screened for symptoms over the phone. To be screened, please call (518) 465-4771. 

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center - 920 Lark Drive, Albany

• Wednesday: 1:00 – 4:00pm
• Thursday: 8:30am –12 noon
• Friday: 1:00 – 4:00pm

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of May 11
Each week the mobile sites will rotate morning & afternoon testing. The full updated schedule can be found here.

• Wednesday, May 13
  • 1:30-4:00pm: Capital South Campus, 20 Warren St, Albany
• Thursday, May 14
  • 9:00am – 12 noon: Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet
  • 1:30-4:00pm: Front of Rensselaer City Hall, 62 Washington St, Rensselaer
• Friday, May 15
  • 9:00am – 12 noon: Front of the Rensselaer County Administration Building, 1600 7th Ave, Troy
  • 1:30-4:00pm: Whitney Young Troy Health Center, 849 2nd Ave, Lansingburgh

County Executive McCoy continues to highlight the latest testing site in Albany County at Priority 1 Urgent Care that is now also providing antibody testing, located in Hamilton Square at 2080 Western Avenue in Guilderland. The partnership was made possible by Albany County supplying the facility with critical personal protective equipment for the staff and supplemental test kits. Testing will be reimbursed by an individual’s health insurance, and will be done by appointments only after patients come in to be screened for expanded CDC symptoms. Priority 1 is also now doing antibody testing. To schedule an appointment, you can call (518) 867-8040.

The University at Albany (SUNY) has expanded its testing parameters at the drive-thru testing site to include essential workers who are asymptomatic. Those include but are not limited to healthcare workers; first responders; nursing home and long term care facility workers; correction, probation and parole officers; direct care providers; medical specialists; occupational, physical or speech therapists; and workers who interact directly with the public;  among others. Full list of eligible essential workers.  The number to call and make an appointment is 1-888-364-3065 or you can go online to the link here: covid19screening.health.ny.gov

County Executive McCoy also encouraged those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to register for the drive-thru community testing site at Rite Aid, 1863 Central Avenue in Colonie. Over 650 tests have been given there. Testing is free for those who are eligible based on CDC guidelines and are at least 18 years old. It’s available between 9am and 5pm, seven days a week by appointment only. Registration is now available at www.riteaid.com. Tests will be conducted from within an individual’s car with self-swab nasal tests and with the help of a pharmacist.

For those experiencing stress, anxiety or depression while confined to their homes for extended periods of time, the Albany County COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm at (518) 269-6634. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500. The 24-hour sexual assault hotline number is (518) 447-7716.

The County Executive continues to offer online videos on coping, crafts and reading, AAU karate, exercise, proper use of personal protective equipment and more.

For all COVID-19 questions and concerns, including issues with price gouging and fraudulent products, residents are encouraged to use United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline as well as the State Department of Health’s hotline at 888-364-3065.