Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 5,743 to date, an increase of 105 new positive cases since yesterday. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of County. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 2,272 from 2,256. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased to 100.4 from 101.2.
 
There are now 884 active cases in the county, down from 900 yesterday. So far, 23,266 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 4,859 of them had tested positive and recovered. Among the new positive cases, 23 had close contact with positive cases, one reported traveling out of state, 80 did not have a clear source of infection at this time and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate setting – though not from Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

There were 10 new hospitalizations to report overnight, and there are now 72 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of five. The hospitalization rate is now 1.25%. There are now 11 patients currently in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), up from eight yesterday. There were no new COVID-related deaths to report since yesterday, and the death toll for the county stands at 158 since the outbreak began.

“We continue to see an extremely concerning rise in our hospitalization numbers, which has been a trend throughout the month of November. In just one month, there have been 162 residents admitted to the hospital, which represents 30% of our total hospitalizations since the outbreak first started. On top of that, we likely still haven’t seen what the full effect Thanksgiving gatherings will have on our infection rate ahead of the holidays,” said County Executive McCoy.

“As was the case before, we’re seeing the virus spread quicker among specific age groups. The 20- to 29-year-old age group had an 80% jump in positive cases over the last month, while those in their 30’s saw the next largest spike at 74%. We need everyone to do their part to bring our infection rate down before we are forced to enter into a Micro-Cluster Zone,” he continued. 

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy and County Health Department Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen used the County COVID-19 Data Dashboard to review some of the most recent trends related to the Coronavirus. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 20- to 29-year-olds have had 1,644 positive cases. The age group with the next highest number of positives are those in their 50’s, representing 738 positive cases. In a close third, the 30- to 39-year-old age group represents 721 positive cases. 
 
Below is next week’s schedule for Albany County’s 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 November 30 (Please note new location starting Friday, December 4. Drive-thru is encouraged at the Whitney Young and Watervliet locations, but walk-ups are still welcome)
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.
 
Whitney Young Health Dental Building (rear of building) – 900 Lark Drive, Albany (now has drive-thru option)
• Monday, November 30: 1pm – 4pm
 
Watervliet Administrative Building, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet (Mobile Site now has drive-thru option)
• Wednesday, December 2: 1pm – 4pm
 
Times Union Center (new location), 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207 (no drive thru option available)
• Friday, December 4: 1pm – 4pm
 
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 State 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 only be provided after appointments are made and after patients come in to be screened for expanded CDC symptoms. To schedule an appointment, you can call (518) 867-8040.
 
The County Executive 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.
 
Price Chopper/Market 32 is piloting a free COVID-19 test program at three of its New York drive-thru pharmacies. Customers can register for a test at the website here and they will get a voucher to go to one of the testing sites on a specific date. Local participating pharmacies are in Latham, Clifton Park and Johnstown. Testing is on Tuesdays from 7am- 9am. Customers won’t leave their car and will administer the test themselves with guidance from a pharmacist. Results will be provided by eTrueNorth within three to five business days. This is in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
 
CVS is offering drive-thru testing at select stores. You must register online for an appointment. To do that and find locations offering the drive-thru testing, go to the CVS website.
 
For the all latest data on COVID testing and results, you can refer to the Albany County COVID-19 Data Dashboard, as well as the New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker.
 
For those experiencing stress, anxiety or depression during the ongoing pandemic, 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.