Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 6,932 to date, an increase of 205 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased to 163.6 from 150. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of County. 

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also reported that among the new positive cases, 42 had close contact with positive cases, 157 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and six are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings – though none from Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. There are now 1,282 active cases in the county, down from 1,300 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,286 from 2,396. So far, 26,252 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 5,650 of them had tested positive and recovered. 

There were 11 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 88 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of three. The hospitalization rate remains at 1.26%. There are now 14 patients in the ICU, up from 13 yesterday. There were no new COVID deaths to report since yesterday, and the death toll for the county stands at 169 since the outbreak began. The County Executive was joined by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Albany County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen for the briefing to discuss their ongoing partnership to control the spread of the virus and support local businesses. 

“While we mark the highest number of new daily cases of COVID-19 to date, we also continue to see our hospitalizations stabilize and regional hospital and ICU bed availability above the state average. This is important to keep our people safe and after Governor Cuomo announced that any new restrictions on businesses will be tied to the severity of illnesses and our hospital system’s capacity,” said County Executive McCoy. “As we look ahead to the possibility of another spike in positive cases, I want to commend Senator Schumer for prioritizing counties in the Congressional relief package being hammered out. This funding is critical to our continued response to the pandemic alongside local leaders like Mayor Sheehan.”

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 the new location for Wednesday, December 9, as well as the extended hours this week).
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

Watervliet Dome - Parks & Recreation (new location), 1300 2nd Ave. (Corner of 13th St. & 2nd Ave.), Watervliet, NY 12189
• Wednesday, December 9: 12pm – 4pm

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.)*
• Friday, December 11: 12pm – 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 their website at the link here. 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.