Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 8,747 to date, an increase of 220 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased to 195.8 from 186.4. 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, 22 had close contact with positive cases, 176 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and 22 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,637 active cases in the county, up from 1,601 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 3,237 from 3,245. So far, 30,134 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 7,110 of them had tested positive and recovered. 

There were 14 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 104 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of four. There are now 21 patients in the ICU, up from 18 yesterday. There were no new COVID-related deaths to report from overnight, and the death toll for the county stands at 188 since the outbreak began. For the briefing, the County Executive was joined by CentralMed Urgent and Primary Care CEO and Chief Medical Officer Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, MD to discuss the accuracy of rapid tests and the safety of the vaccine currently being distributed. 

“We’ve reached two new and sad milestones today: A record number of people in the hospital at 104, and a record number of them in intensive care at 21. Our hospitalizations have now been increasing for a full week. We’re now seeing some of the worst impacts of Thanksgiving and other gatherings, and we’re likely to see an even more alarming surge after the holidays next week,” said County Executive McCoy. “I know it’s not always easy to avoid seeing family around the holiday season, but if we don’t make sacrifices, even more people will get infected, more people will be hospitalized and more people will die. Please do the right thing.”

During the briefing, Dr. Lebarty explained that the PCR test is the “gold standard” in terms of accuracy of COVID tests, but the vast majority of the rapid tests his facility provides matched the results of the PCR tests. Those rapid tests boast nearly 100% specificity. Dr. Lebarty also discussed that while he understands some people are apprehensive about the vaccine, he reassured the public that it is safe and he will be getting vaccinated himself when it is made available to CentralMed Urgent Care. 

Below is the remainder of 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.)*
• 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.