Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 17,166 to date, an increase of 193 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has increased to 229.8 from 228.4. 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 cases of COVID-19, 41 had close contact with positive cases, 149 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and three are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,804 active cases in the county, up from 1,764 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,768 from 2,840. So far, 50,850 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 15,362 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 144 recoveries since yesterday.

There were 10 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 165 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of seven. There are 15 patients in ICU’s, down one from yesterday. Sadly, there were two additional COVID-related deaths to report since yesterday: A man and a woman in their 80’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 295 since the outbreak began, with 69 having occurred in the month of January alone. County Executive McCoy was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen for the briefing.

“The pandemic has created a historic financial crisis and nearly everyone has been impacted. With so many people losing their jobs or having hours and wages cut, tenants aren’t able to pay landlords rent. That’s why I’m proud Albany County has applied for and received $9 million from the federal Treasury to cover rent owed and future rent payments for those on unemployment and those below 80% of the area median income,” said County Executive. I’m looking forward to the County Legislature to bring this to the Audit and Finance Committee in the coming days so we can get the relief out to those who need it most as soon as possible.”

"Protecting Albany County residents from eviction and homelessness has been a critical first priority as we see our way through the devastating impacts of this pandemic. This helps us to continue to accomplish that goal," Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce said. "We thank the County Executive and his team for moving so quickly to secure this major funding in this new phase of this crisis."

Funding from the Treasury was made available to counties and localities with populations of at least 200,000. The $9 million can be used for up to 12 months of rental arears and up to three months in future rent payments. While those below the 80% area median income will be eligible, those below the 50% threshold will be prioritized. 

Residents who want to check their eligibility for the vaccine and sign up for a shot at a state-run facility should use the state's website at the link here or call the state vaccine hotline at 1-833-697-4829. For general information on the vaccine and eligibility, residents can also dial the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s 2-1-1.

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 25 
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

Monday, January 25: 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 27: 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 29: 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.
 
Central Med Urgent Care, 1662 Central Avenue, Colonie offers the rapid antigen test, lab-based PCR and antibody testing. No appointment is required but you can call 518-240-1456 if you would like to make an appointment. Testing is available for children.

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.