Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 12,281 to date, an increase of 222 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased to 267.4 from 271. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.

Among the new positive cases announced, 35 had close contact with positive cases, 182 did not have a clear source of infection at this time and five are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,844 active cases in the county, up from 1,758 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 3,018 from 2,968. So far, 39,024 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 10,437 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 117 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive also reported that there were 16 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 142 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of nine. There are now 24 patients in the ICU, up from 22 yesterday. Unfortunately, there were two additional COVID-related deaths to report from overnight – a man in his 50’s and a woman in her 70’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 229 since the outbreak began. 

“We’ve now set the bar for the number of county residents in the hospital, as well as for those in the ICU, which previously was 23. This comes just three days after we recorded our deadliest month since the outbreak began. This is clearly having an impact on our hospital capacity as the most recent data shows the Capital Region hospital and ICU bed availability ticked down to 24% and 18%, respectively. Compared to other regions in the state, these are nearly the lowest rates anywhere and below the state averages,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“We need everyone to wear masks, socially distance, stay home as much as possible and avoid private gatherings with anyone outside of their households to stop the spread of the virus,” 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.
 
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.