Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 2,541 to date, an increase of 10 new cases since yesterday. Additionally, the number of people under mandatory quarantine has ticked up to 414 from 409. The five-day average for new daily positives remains unchanged at 8.4. There are now 50 active cases, up from 46 a day ago. So far, 9,798 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 2,491 of them had tested positive and recovered

Of the new positives reported today, two had close contact with positive cases, one reported out-of-state travel, two are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings and five did not have a clear source of infection at this time. The number of people hospitalized rose from 12 yesterday to 13 today, bringing the hospitalization rate to 0.51% from 0.47%. There are still two patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), unchanged from yesterday. The county’s death toll remains at 133 since the outbreak began. 

County Executive McCoy and Albany County Department for Aging Commissioner Deb Riitano launched the “Shoo the Flu” campaign today at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. They handed out “flu prevention bags” to seniors who picked them up at the drive-thru event in the parking lot. The bags contain a thermometer, hand sanitizer, washable face masks, pill case, bottle of water and a can of chicken soup.

“While the southern hemisphere is reporting a more mild flu season this year, we still have to grapple with a potential second wave of COVID-19 coinciding with our own flu season and rising hospitalization numbers here in Albany County. We need to take common sense precautions to protect our senior population and those with underlying health issues who have been disproportionately affected by the virus,” said County Executive McCoy. “That’s why I’m proud to launch this campaign – to encourage residents to get their flu shot and to use the supplies we handed out today to protect themselves, including a face mask and hand sanitizer. Thank you to Congregation Beth Emeth Executive Director Kathy Golderman for helping us today.”

Below is the remainder of 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. 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

• Friday: 8:30–10:30am 

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.

Walgreens is now operating a testing facility at the 41 Holland Avenue location utilizing a self-collection model. Residents will be able to remain in their cars while assisted by pharmacists when necessary. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, individuals who are 18 years or older may be tested once completing an eligibility assessment at the Walgreens website or at their app. Patients can get their results from PWNHealth. 

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.