Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 7,452 to date, an increase of 177 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased to 176.8 from 170. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county. 

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also reported that among the new positive cases, 21 had close contact with positive cases, 141 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and 15 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings – though none from Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. There are now 1,505 active cases in the county, a large jump from 1,400 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 2,546 from 2,413. So far, 27,399 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 5,947 of them had tested positive and recovered. 

There were 10 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 80 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of 18. There are now 15 patients in the ICU, up from 14 yesterday. Unfortunately, there were three new COVID-related deaths to report since yesterday – two men and one woman in their 90’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 175 since the outbreak began.

“Any day we have to announce new deaths caused by the virus is a difficult one, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families. However, today’s update wasn’t all bad news. The number of residents currently hospitalized from COVID has dropped to 80 – down from 98 yesterday and the lowest it’s been since before December 2,” said County Executive McCoy. “Additionally, last night the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee recommended the emergency use of the vaccine, and I’m happy to report that we will begin distribution of the vaccine to our residents and staff at Shaker Place beginning December 21.”

The County Executive explained during the briefing that the vaccine distribution will be carried out in three separate visits from Walgreens healthcare workers at the county-owned facility. The first will be on December 21, then three weeks later that same group will get their second dose. On that same day, a second group will get their first dose. Finally, residents and staff will likely get their second and final doses in the first week of February.

County Executive McCoy also continues to encourage residents to send e-cards and well wishes to residents of Shaker Place around the holidays while visitation is temporarily suspended. They can be sent to AlbanyCountyKidsCare@AlbanyCountyNY.gov.

Below is the remainder of 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.

Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
• Friday, December 11: 12pm – 4pm
*(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.)*

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.