Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that there have now been 2,422 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 7 since yesterday. Additionally, the number of people under mandatory quarantine has gone up to 560 from 536 yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has dropped to 7.8 from 10.6 yesterday. There are currently 41 active cases, up from 38. So far, 8,541 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 2,381 of them had tested positive and recovered, an increase of 4. 

Among the new positive cases reported today include three healthcare workers or residents of private congregate settings, two who had close contacts with other positive cases and two who do not have a clear source of transmission at this time. There are still seven individuals hospitalized due to the virus, and the hospitalization rate remains at 0.28%. There are now two patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), up from one yesterday. Sadly, another resident passed away due to the virus overnight – a man in his 80’s who was a resident at a private nursing home with underlying health conditions. The death toll for the county now stands at 130. 

County Executive McCoy also announced Week 14 of the Albany County Stay Safe Teen Challenge in conjunction with the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL) and AT&T. This week’s theme is “Safe Goodbye/Good Luck Parties” for those heading off to college. It’s important to remember that there are still limits on the number of people for social gatherings and requirements to wear masks, but that doesn’t mean parties can’t still happen. Show how you’re doing just that with a photo or video posted to Instagram with the hashtag “#AlbanyCountyStaySafe” by Saturday, August 22 at 11:59pm for a chance to win a $25 gift card to a local business.

As a reminder, the Albany County Department of Health is looking to contact anyone who went to two different hair braiding businesses as a precautionary measure for possible exposure to COVID-19. The first is Annie African Hair Braiding at 355 Central Avenue in Albany if you visited on Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11 from 4-4:30pm or Wednesday, August 12 between 4pm and 6pm.  The second is Adja African Hair Braiding at 622 Central Avenue in Albany if you visited on Thursday, August 13 between 4 and 7:30pm. Those who were at either establishment during these periods are asked to contact the Albany County Department of Health at 518-447-4640.

Below is this week’s schedule for Albany County’s walk-up COVID-19 mobile testing sites, a collaboration with the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center. The schedule is based on demand and mobile site locations are updated weekly based on that need.  Testing is for those experiencing symptoms, essential workers and those returning to work by appointment only, after being screened over the phone. To be screened, please call (518) 465-4771.

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

• Wednesday: 8:30–10:30am
• Friday: 8:30–10:30am

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of August 17
The full updated schedule can be found here.

• Tuesday, August 18: 9:00–11:00am 
  Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet

County Executive McCoy continues to highlight the testing site in Albany County at Priority 1 Urgent Care, which is now also providing antibody testing, located in Hamilton Square at 2080 Western Avenue in Guilderland. 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.

County Executive McCoy also encourages those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to register for the drive-thru community testing site at Rite Aid, 1863 Central Avenue in Colonie. 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 during the ongoing pandemic and gun violence in the City of Albany, the Albany County Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week, from 8am to 5pm 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.