Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 14,223 to date, an increase of 216 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 265.4 from 276.6. 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, 34 had close contact with positive cases, 174 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and eight are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,997 active cases in the county, down from 2,055 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 3,119 from 3,204. So far, 43,264 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 12,226 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 265 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive also reported that there were 13 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 148 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of one. There are now nine patients in the ICU, down from 11 yesterday. There were four COVID-related death to report since yesterday: A woman in her 50’s, two women in their 80’s and a woman in her 90’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 254 since the outbreak began. 

“As we work to control the spread of COVID-19, we continue to make progress on vaccine distribution, with the 1b phase of distribution able to start today. Those who are over the age of 75 years old and additional essential workers should use the State Department of Health website and hotline to check their eligibility and sign up,” said County Executive McCoy. “And while this is exciting news, we still likely have at least another six months until we can reach herd immunity with the vaccine. Until then, we need everyone to wear a mask, socially distance, get tested and stay home as much as possible.”

Residents who are included in the 1b category of vaccine distribution should use the State Department of Health website here or call 1-833-697-4829 to check their eligibility and register to receive the vaccine. The County Department of Health is not currently available for registration and everyone will be notified when it is. The public is encouraged to be patient as the sign up process could become overloaded.

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.