Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 18,413 to date, an increase of 84 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 163.2 from 184.8. 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, 20 had close contact with positive cases, 62 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and two are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,459 active cases in the county, down from 1,578 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,646 from 2,867. So far, 54,936 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 16,954 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 194 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were nine new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 143 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of one. There are now 13 patients in ICU’s, up two from yesterday. Sadly, there are two additional COVID-related deaths to report: A woman in her 60’s and a woman in her 80’s. The death toll is now 317 since the outbreak began. 

“COVID-19 continues to take the lives of our residents, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time. We’re seeing the aftermath of the holiday surge as expected, but we also continue to see the number of infections decline. Albany County’s 7-day average for percent positive rates has dropped to 5.5% from 6.4% over just two days. We need everyone to follow the health guidelines so this trend lasts,” said County Executive McCoy.

“The pandemic has hurt so many of us, but it has disproportionately impacted our African American communities across the state and the country. With the start of February and Black History Month, I’m looking forward to two county-sponsored events that will shine a light on how COVID is affecting everyday life for some, and how we can move forward through this dark chapter,” he continued.

County Executive McCoy also warns county and Capital Region residents of snowstorm that has already reached the area. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in effect until 7pm tomorrow night. They are predicting 6 to 10 inches in the Capital Region, with some parts of Albany County, including the Hilltowns, likely to see more. Those who need to commute or travel should maintain safe driving speeds and increase following distance.

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 February 1 
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

Monday, February 1: 9AM - 12PM
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
 
Wednesday, February 3: 9AM - 12PM
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, February 5: 9AM - 12PM
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
 
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.