Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 18,830 to date, an increase of 121 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 105.6 from 112.8. 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 cases of COVID-19, 24 had close contact with positive cases, 91 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and six are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,143 active cases in the county, down from 1,220 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,394 from 2,511. So far, 56,623 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 17,687 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 191 recoveries since yesterday.

There were eight new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 112 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of 14. There are now 15 patients in ICU’s, down from 16 yesterday. Sadly, there are four additional COVID-related deaths to report: Two men in their 70’s, one woman in her 70’s, and one woman in her 80’s. The death toll is now 328 since the outbreak began. For the briefing, the County Executive was joined by Russell Sage College President Dr. Christopher Ames and Maria College President Dr. Thomas Gamble to discuss their health protocols in place for testing and keeping students safe and how they are supporting the vaccination efforts. 

“We have some of the best colleges around, and I know Presidents Ames and Gamble are taking all the necessary steps to prevent COVID-19 from spreading and give their students and their families the peace of mind they deserve. But these colleges are actually going above and beyond during the pandemic. Maria nursing students have been on the frontlines administering vaccines, and Russell Sage has been approved to serve as vaccination sites in both Albany and Troy should they receive the doses,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“Ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, I want to remind county residents how far we’ve come over the last few weeks. January was our deadliest month, but our percent positive rates have steadily declined down to a new seven-day average of 4.9%. If we want to continue to move in the right direction, to prevent infections and potentially save lives, we need everyone to do the right thing and avoid Super Bowl parties with anyone outside of their households,” he continued. 

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also announced that the Albany County Times Union Center has officially been chosen by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Executive Committee to host their New York State High School Wrestling Championships from 2023 through 2025. The vote took place on Wednesday, February 3. 

“The bid process for our wrestling state championships was certainly competitive this time around but our Association and membership are truly looking forward to a return to the City of Albany and hosting our event at the Times Union Center. The Times Union Center is an outstanding venue with ample space, amenities and experience in doing a first-class job on this major event,” said NYSPHSAA.

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. At this time, Albany County has not been authorized by the State to vaccinate those who are 65 years old and older. The county’s vaccination point of dispensing (POD) clinics are for the 1b essential worker category only.

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.