Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 12,432 to date, an increase of 163 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives decreased to 257.4 from 267.4. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.

During the briefing, the County Executive reported that among the new positive cases, 22 had close contact with positive cases, 128 did not have a clear source of infection at this time and 13 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,884 active cases in the county, up from 1,844 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 3,068 from 3,018. So far, 39,428 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 10,548 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 111 recoveries since yesterday.

There were 24 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 161 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of 19. There are now 24 patients in the ICU, unchanged from yesterday. There were no additional COVID-related deaths to report, and the death toll for the county still stands at 229 since the outbreak began. County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen joined the County Executive for the briefing to discuss the vaccine rollout and other topics. 

“The number of Albany County residents in the hospital because of the virus continues to climb to new record levels – having now reached 161 today – and the Capital Region’s hospital and ICU bed space continues to decrease. Now at 17%, our region now has the lowest ICU bed availability rate of any other region in the state,” said County Executive McCoy. “The County’s seven-day average for percent positive rates is now well-over 10%. With this level of community spread, we’re urging people to stay home when possible, for businesses to have employees work remotely and for schools to utilize online learning to the extent possible.”

Using the County’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard, the County Executive highlighted how the Coronavirus is spreading among specific age groups. Those in their 20’s, while leading other age groups for total number of positives since the outbreak began, saw an increase of 36.9% since December 15. Over the same period, positive cases among those between the ages of 10 and 19 years increased by 44.6%, and for 30- to 39-year-olds, positive cases increased by 64%.

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also announced that the application for the Albany County COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program is now available here and can also be found at the Albany County website. This is a partnership between the Albany County Legislature and the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, making grants available of up to $5,000 for select qualifying businesses in Albany County. The deadline for applications to be submitted is January 19.

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 January 4 
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

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
(All vehicles must access the TU Center parking garage along Market Street. Enter at Level 3 through the Market Street entrance booths)

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.