Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 6,736 to date, an increase of 108 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased to 150 from 161.8. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of County. 

The County Executive also reported that among the new positive cases, 17 had close contact with positive cases, 87 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and four are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings – though none from Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. There are now 1,300 active cases in the county, up from 1,254 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 2,396 from 2,345. So far, 25,741 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 5,436 of them had tested positive and recovered. 

There were six new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 85 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of one. The hospitalization rate remains at 1.26%. There are now 13 patients in the ICU, down from 14 yesterday. Sadly, there was one new COVID death to report since yesterday: A man in his 80’s who was not a resident of a congregate setting. The death toll for the county now stands at 169 since the outbreak began.

“It saddens me to have to report yet another COVID death here in Albany County, and my condolences go out to the family. However, there are some bright spots in our recent data that shows our hospitalization numbers are beginning to stabilize, having broken a seven-day upward trend of current hospital patients over the weekend that had maxed out at 96,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“We’re also seeing our 5-day average of new daily positives come back down from a relative high of 165 of Saturday. It’s important to note that these trends may not last long, as we are likely to see another spike over the next week from Thanksgiving gatherings. I’m encouraging everyone to continue following the State health guidelines that have been put into place.”

Below is this 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 December 7 (Please note new locations for Monday December 7 and Wednesday, December 9).
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207 
*(Important note – Due to construction at the Times Union Center parking garage, all vehicles must access the garage along Market St. on Level 3. Vehicles may exit on Level 4 or at the newly designated “EXIT ONLY” on Beaver St.)*
• Monday, December 7: 1pm – 4pm

Watervliet Dome - Parks & Recreation (new location), 1300 2nd Ave. (Corner of 13th St. & 2nd Ave.), Watervliet, NY 12189
• Wednesday, December 9: 1pm – 4pm

Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
• Friday, December 11: 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 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.