Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 17,452 to date, an increase of 150 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 199.6 from 225.4. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.

Among the new cases of COVID-19, 35 had close contact with positive cases, one reported traveling out of state, 107 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and seven are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,636 active cases in the county, down from 1,708 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,504 from 2,700. So far, 51,984 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 15,816 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 213 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were eleven new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 169 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of four. There are 16 patients in ICU’s, up from 15 yesterday. Unfortunately, there were three additional COVID-related deaths to report since yesterday: A woman in her 70’s, a man in his 80’s and a man in his 90’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 299 since the outbreak began.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had to report Covid-19 related deaths each day for the last eleven days. I pray for those Albany County residents we have lost and their families in this sad time,” said County Executive McCoy.

The County Executive also announced a new state-of-the-art Civil Service portal the county has opened to move job hunting and applications into the 21st century, while making the entire process easier than ever before. 

“Anyone looking to work with Albany County or one of our more than 35 towns, villages, schools, police departments and special districts can now apply and pay for Civil Service exams on their computer or phone,” said McCoy. 

“Applicants will now be able to review job specifications, test scores and their ranking on the Certified Eligible Lists in one place, and even receive notifications when new exams are announced. A virtually paperless system means more staff can work remotely during the pandemic, we’re producing less waste and the entire system is more efficient. And I’m proud to say that we are now waiving the exam fees for our veterans to reduce barriers to employment,” he continued.

Prior to this new electronic system, all applications were handwritten and submitted in paper, communications to applicants were sent via USPS, and records were recorded on paper. The Albany County Department of Civil Service will still accept traditional hand written/printed applications to ensure those without computer access can apply for exams. Computers will also be available to the public to sign up at 112 State Street (when we accept the public again) and at job fairs. The Civil Service Department is also instituting a policy to accept cash, as well as check and credit, for Civil Service Exams in order to make Civil Service employment available to all individuals. Applicants still have to take the actual Civil Service exam in person. The link for the portal can be found here.

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

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.