Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 14,016 to date, an increase of 279 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has increased to 276.6 from 272.2. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.

The County Executive also reported that among the new positive cases, 36 had close contact with positive cases, 229 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and 14 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 2,055 active cases in the county, down from 2,076 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 3,204 from 3,086. So far, 42,751 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 11,961 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 286 recoveries since yesterday.

There were 13 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 147 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of two. There are now 11 patients in the ICU, down from 12 yesterday. There was one COVID-related death to report since yesterday – a man in his 20’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 250 since the outbreak began. 

County Executive McCoy was joined by Mohawk Ambulance Service Director of Operations Jovan Cruz and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan to announce a new mobile vaccination vehicle being brought online in the coming weeks to bring COVID-19 vaccines to residents’ doorsteps. Mohawk Ambulance Service has also purchased medical grade freezers and additional temporary storage and transportation equipment that will allow for the storing of more than 110,000 Pfizer doses and 220,000 Moderna doses, as well as establishing pop-up vaccination sites throughout the Capital Region.

“With the Governor announcing last week that 1b vaccinations can begin tomorrow, we wanted to hit the ground running with this initiative. However, vaccine distribution needs to be done in an equitable way, and just as we listened to the community that asked us to bring COVID testing directly to them with our mobile testing sites, they’re now asking us to bring the vaccine to them,” said County Executive McCoy. “Many seniors, those living in our minority neighborhoods and those with underlying health conditions either can’t drive or don’t have access to reliable transportation. Mohawk Ambulance Service’s mobile vaccination vehicle being brought online will help to make sure the distribution process is one that is fair,” said County Executive McCoy.

“The ongoing COVID-19 vaccination process is one of the most challenging public health tasks that our nation has faced in generations. Mohawk Ambulance Service recognizes that everyone in health care has a role to play. That’s why we’ve been working for months on a plan that would allow us to vaccinate approximately 250,000 Capital Region residents. Public-private partnerships like the one we’ve forged with Albany County can be a model others look to. We’re proud of the partners we have in local government, like County Executive Dan McCoy and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. Together we’ll get through this,” said Jovan Cruz, Mohawk Ambulance Service Director of Operations.

“This pandemic has disproportionately impacted the very residents who need the vaccine most. That’s why I’m proud to partner with Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy and Mohawk Ambulance Service to ensure that some of our most vulnerable residents in Phase 1B have access to get vaccinated,” said Mayor Sheehan. 

Below is 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 11 
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

Monday, January 11: 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 13: 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 15: 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.