Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 12,078 to date, an increase of 300 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives jumped to 271 from 258.2. 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 reported that among the new positive cases, 38 had close contact with positive cases, 245 did not have a clear source of infection at this time and 17 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,758 active cases in the county, up from 1,730 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,968 from 3,169. So far, 38,625 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 10,320 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 266 recoveries since yesterday.

There were 30 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 133 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of 19. There are now 22 patients in the ICU, up from 21 yesterday. Unfortunately, there was one additional COVID-related deaths to report from overnight – a woman in her 70’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 227 since the outbreak began. The County Executive was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen for the briefing.

“The new year is off to a rough start, as Albany County records its second consecutive day of at least 300 new positive cases and yet another resident passing away. At the same time, we once again have the highest number of county residents hospitalized at one time from the virus at 133, which tops our previous record of 129 set on December 30,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“As the state and federal governments work to get the vaccine out to the public, it’s important to remember that we likely won’t be able to achieve herd immunity for another six months at the earliest. That’s why we need to continue to practice the health guidelines that we know work – wear a mask, socially distance, staying home as much as possible and avoiding private gatherings with those outside of our household,” he continued. 

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 January 4 
*(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, January 4: 9AM - 1PM
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
(All vehicles must access the TU Center parking garage along Market Street. Enter at Level 3 through the Market Street entrance booths.

Wednesday, January 6: 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)

Friday, January 8: 9AM - 1PM
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. 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.

Central Med Urgent Care, 1662 Central Avenue, Colonie offers the rapid antigen test, lab-based PCR and antibody testing. No appointment is required but you can call 518-240-1456 if you would like to make an appointment. Testing is available for children.
 
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.