Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 8,912 to date, an increase of 178 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased to 200.6 from 195.8. 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, 151 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and five are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,619 active cases in the county, down from 1,637 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 3,063 from 3,237. So far, 30,824 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 7,293 of them had tested positive and recovered. 

There were 13 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 113 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of nine. There are now 22 patients in the ICU, up from 21 yesterday. There were three new COVID-related deaths to report from overnight: Three women; one in her 50’s, one in her 70’s, and one in her 90’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 191 since the outbreak began. The County Executive was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen for the briefing.

“Our hospital data continues to be an area of concern in Albany County. Not only have we exceeded yesterday’s record number of residents hospitalized from the virus, now at 113, but a net increase of nine is also one of the largest we’ve ever had. At the same time, we’re seeing our average number of daily new positives rise – now above 200 – which will only translate into more hospitalizations further down the road,” said County Executive McCoy. “Individuals own some of the responsibility to make the right decisions and make sacrifices for the greater good of our community and the state until the vaccine is widely distributed.”

Below is the schedule for Albany County’s COVID-19 mobile testing sites next 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 21 
*(Please note the date and time changes)
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

Monday, December 21: 9AM - 1PM
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207

Wednesday, December 23: 9AM - 1PM
Whitney Young Administrative Building, 1601 Broadway Watervliet, NY 12189
(Drive-up testing site. Large brick building across the parking lot from the Watervliet Whitney Young Health Center, across the street from McDonald's)

Thursday, December 24: 9AM - 12PM
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207

Community-wide testing continues on the University at Albany (SUNY) campus by appointment only for those with or without symptoms. Please be sure to call ahead to check for postponed testing appointments due to the winter storm. 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.