Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 7,951 to date, an increase of 154 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased to 182 from 188.4. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county. 

County Executive McCoy also reported that among the new positive cases, 14 had close contact with positive cases, 138 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, one reported traveling out of state and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate setting – though none from Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. There are now 1,639 active cases in the county, up slightly from 1,636 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 3,244 from 3,082. So far, 28,217 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 6,312 of them had tested positive and recovered. 

There were 11 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 86 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of six. There are now 13 patients in the ICU, up from 12 yesterday. Unfortunately, there was one new COVID-related death to report – a woman in her 80’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 181 since the outbreak began.

“Few businesses have been hurt worse during the pandemic and economic shutdown than our bars and restaurants. They were one of the last to reopen and many won’t survive through the winter, especially if their indoor capacity gets cut to 25%,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“The Emergency Order I signed today will cap delivery fees from third-party companies like GrubHub and DoorDash to 15%, ensuring our local businesses and residents aren’t being nickel-and-dimed, while delivery workers are left holding the bag with a mediocre tip. I’m happy to partner with Chairman Joyce and the County Legislature to codify this emergency order with a local law,” he continued.

“Since the beginning of this crisis, the members of the Albany County Legislature have stepped up in a major way in the fight against COVID-19,” Chairman Andrew Joyce said.  “We’ve distributed PPE in our districts, volunteered for the county’s Medical Reserve Corps, delivered food and passed mission critical items to keep the county running. Now, we’re moving quickly to help our restaurant owners secure as much of their hard earned income as possible.”

The Emergency Order signed by the County Executive will take effect starting this Friday. The local law going before the County Legislature will codify the 15% delivery fee cap and allow for recourse of local businesses in the case of bad actors.

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also thanked Advanced Therapy President Peter Scotto who generously donated $10,000 to the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, a nonprofit used to raise funds for the Albany County Adopt-A-Family Program. The money will be used to purchase toys and basic household necessities for families in need. Those interested in contributing can reach out to the County Department for Children, Youth and Families by phone at (518) 447-5580 or by email at cyfadoptafamily@albanycounty.com. You can also get more information about the program at the DCYF website here.

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 schedule for Albany County’s COVID-19 mobile testing sites this week, 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 14 
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 14: 12pm – 4pm

Whitney Young Administrative Building, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet, NY 12189
• Wednesday, December 16: 12pm – 4pm

Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
• Friday, December 18: 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.