Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 6,333 to date, an increase of 185 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased to 150.6 from 131.6. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of County. 

During the briefing, the County Executive reported that among the new positive cases, 19 had close contact with positive cases, 137 did not have a clear source of infection at this time and 29 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings – though none from Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. There are now 992 active cases in the county, a huge increase from 910 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,218 from 2,239. So far, 24,955 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 5,341 of them had tested positive and recovered. 

There were 13 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 96 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of six. The hospitalization rate has now reached 1.51%. There are currently 16 patients in the ICU, up from 14 yesterday. Sadly, there was one new COVID-related death to report since yesterday: A woman in her 70’s, who was not a resident of a congregate setting. The death toll for the county now stands at 167 since the outbreak began. County Executive McCoy was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen for the briefing.

“We continue to move in the wrong direction when you look at the data. This is now the seventh consecutive day we’ve broke a new record for the number of people in the hospital because of the virus, and we’ve tied our record of 16 people in the ICU, which happened on April 13. We’re now averaging 12 new hospitalizations per day this month. As we see the average number of new positive cases tick up, we are likely to see even more hospitalizations that are putting added strain on our healthcare system,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“To help get this situation under control, we’re looking at expanding our testing capabilities here in Albany County, and I’m excited to announce that we’ll have a testing site at the Watervliet Dome starting next Wednesday. This will ensure people can get tested indoors, while having enough room to socially distance themselves.”
  
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.
 
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.