Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 2,714 to date, an increase of 12 new positive cases since yesterday. Additionally, the number of people under mandatory quarantine has decreased to 507 from 516. The five-day average for new daily positives remained at 22. There are now 129 active cases in the county. So far, 10,644 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 2,585 of them had tested positive and recovered. 

Of the new positive cases, four are connected to University at Albany students. Separately, among all of the 12 new positives reported today, 7 had close contact with positive cases, three reported out-of-state travel and two did not have a clear source of infection at this time. 

There are still 10 residents currently hospitalized due to the virus and the hospitalization rate is now down to 0.36% from 0.37% yesterday. There are now no patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), down from one yesterday. There were no new deaths to report and the county’s death toll is still 134 since the outbreak began. County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen joined the County Executive to discuss the latest data on the County COVID-19 Dashboard Tracker.

“I’ve highlighted the number of COVID cases among residents in their 20’s for a long time, and as we continue to monitor the evolving situation among University at Albany students, this becomes even more important. In less than two weeks, the number of positive cases for those in the 20 to 29 year age range went up by 36. Compare that to the age group with the next highest number of positive cases, 50- to 59-year-olds, which saw an increase of only 7 during that same time,” said County Executive McCoy. “This is not meant to be fear mongering. This is just stating facts and identifying a particular group of people. We are asking them to bear responsibility and to do the right thing.” 

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy took time to highlight the award-winning Five-Hour DMV Pre-Licensing Course being conducted by the County Probation Department this week. This is a collaboration with the State Department of Motor Vehicles, allowing probation clients over the age of 16 the opportunity to obtain their 5 hour pre-licensing course. This will bring them one step closer to obtaining their driver’s license thereby increasing their chances of employment and avoiding a return to the criminal justice system.

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.

Locations & Dates for the Week of September 14
The full updated schedule can be found here.

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

• Friday – 8:30am – 10:30am 

Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet (Mobile Site)

• Wednesday – 8:30am – 10:30am  

Community-wide testing continues on the University at Albany (SUNY) campus by appointment only for those with or without symptoms. Appointments may be made by calling the NYS hotline at 888-364-3065 or by visiting the NYS Department of Health website.

County Executive McCoy continues to highlight the testing site in Albany County at Priority 1 Urgent Care, which also provides 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.