Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 15,897 to date, an increase of 172 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 242.8 from 251.8. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.

The County Executive reported that among the new positive cases, 38 had close contact with positive cases, 123 did not have a clear source of infection at this time and 11 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,902 active cases in the county, down from 2,051 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,990 from 3,138. So far, 47,420 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 13,995 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 312 recoveries since yesterday.

There were 22 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 180 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of 11. There are now 16 patients in ICU’s, up from 14 yesterday. Sadly, there were three additional COVID-related deaths to report since yesterday: A man in his 60’s, a man in his 80’s and a woman in her 90’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 275 since the outbreak began. County Executive McCoy was joined by United Way of the Greater Capital Region President & CEO Peter Gannon for the briefing to discuss the 211 hotline and the organization’s volunteer opportunities.

“While we’re seeing the average number of new daily positives and our percent positive rates here in Albany County coming back down after the holiday surge, our hospitalizations are beginning to rise to new record levels. There are now 180 county residents currently hospitalized – the highest ever – and the number of patients in ICU’s has doubled over the last three days,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“As the rollout of the vaccine continues with new distribution guidance from the state over the weekend, nothing is a substitute for the need to continue to wear a mask, to avoid private gatherings and to stay home as much as possible in order to stop the spread of the virus. This is especially true as we get more reports of more contagious strains of the virus here in the Capital Region and around the world,” he continued.

“United Way has partnered with County Executive McCoy to respond to the COVID crisis since the very first weekend. At that time, not many of us thought we would still be here 44 weeks later,” said United Way of the Greater Capital Region President & CEO Peter Gannon. “Between reporting price gouging, helping with emergency food requests for those under quarantine, and tax preparation support, our organization’s 211 number has been a trusted source in a sea of information. Now we’re providing information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and people’s eligibility. We also encourage residents here in the Capital Region to visit UnitedToVolunteer.org, to be part of a number of volunteer efforts, including helping with our children and our seniors.”

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy discussed the updated state guidelines for vaccine distribution. The Albany County Department of Health will now be responsible for vaccinating essential workers, including firefighters, teachers, college professors, grocery store workers and others that are eligible in the 1b phase. Pharmacies will now vaccinate those over the age of 65 years old, while pharmacies will be responsible for vaccinating their healthcare workforce. Residents who want to check their eligibility and sign up for a vaccination at a state-run facility should use the states website at the link here or call the state vaccine hotline at 1-833-697-4829 or dial 2-1-1. You can also find out how much vaccine has been received and distributed by going to the state site https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-tracker

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 18 
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

Wednesday, January 20: 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 22: 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.