Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 9,500 to date, an increase of 226 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased to 201.2 from 200.4. 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, 12 had close contact with positive cases, 209 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and five are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,571 active cases in the county, down from 1,605 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,990 from 3,197. So far, 32,151 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 7,929 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 250 recoveries since yesterday.

There were 11 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 107 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of six. There are currently 23 patients in the ICU, up from 21 yesterday. There were no new COVID-related deaths to report from overnight, and the death toll for the county stands at 194 since the outbreak began. The County Executive was joined by County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen for the briefing and encouraged residents to get the flu shot. 

“While I’m encouraged to see our hospitalizations begin to trend down, we still have a record number of patients in the ICU because of the Coronavirus. This is obviously having an impact on the Capital Region’s ICU capacity, with bed availability dropping from 45% less than two weeks ago, to 27% as of the data from December 20. The last time it was this low was back at the end of April,” said County Executive McCoy. 

The County Executive also took time to highlight the many donations that came in from generous donors for the County Adopt-A-Family program thanks to the hard work of the County Executive’s staff; the County Department for Children, Youth and Families; the County Probation Department and others. 

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 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.

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. Walk-ups are still welcome)

Thursday, December 24: 9AM - 12PM
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
(All vehicles must access the Times Union Center Parking Garage on Level 3 via Market Street)

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.