Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 18,009 to date, an increase of 171 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 176 from 180.4. 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, 49 had close contact with positive cases, one had traveled out of state, 111 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and 10 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,550 active cases in the county, up from 1,390 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 2,966 from 2,611. So far, 53,256 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 16,459 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of six recoveries since yesterday.

There were 13 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 162 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of one. There are 11 patients now in ICU’s, unchanged since yesterday. Sadly, there was one additional COVID-related death to report since yesterday – a woman in her 50’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 304 since the outbreak began. 

For the briefing, the County Executive was joined by United Way of the Greater Capital Region President & CEO Peter Gannon, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Executive Director Jenn Hyde and New York State Assembly Member John T. McDonald III to announce the launch of the CA$H Coalition of the Capital Region, dedicated to financial security for residents.

“The success of Albany County’s and the Capital Region’s response to COVID-19 has been defined by collaborations within our community to help residents in their darkest hours. The CA$H Coalition is made up of dozens of local nonprofits who are committed to providing financial relief through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), that has helped nearly 37,000 residents with their taxes over the last three years,” said County Executive McCoy. “Services like these during the pandemic have never been more crucial, and I commend the leadership of United Way, Catholic Charities and Assembly Member McDonald that make this a reality.”

In the past three years, the CA$H Coalition has handled roughly $56 million in tax returns. In 2020, despite the mid-tax season shutdown caused by COVID-19, VITA prepared 6,363 returns and helped put $15 million back into the local economy. Those in need of tax prep assistance are encouraged to use United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline.

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 remainder of 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.

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, and the free and confidential online text chat feature can be found at the link here.