Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 19,443 to date, an increase of 85 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 84.8 from 88. 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, 60 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and five are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 787 active cases in the county, down from 850 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,805 from 1,885. So far, 59,562 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 18,656 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 144 recoveries since yesterday.

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy reported that there were nine new hospitalizations overnight, and there are now 91 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of one. There are now 17 patients in ICU’s, up from 16 yesterday. There is one additional COVID-related death to report – a woman in her 80’s. The death toll for Albany County is now 338 since the outbreak began. 

“The impacts of COVID have been felt everywhere. Some have been hurt worse than others and some impacts have changed over time. What we’re seeing in Albany County is a larger percentage of deaths among women now, when compared to the first wave in the spring,” said County Executive McCoy. “In May of last year, men accounted for about 53% of all deaths at the time, and women accounted for 47%. But now, men account for 45.7% of all deaths, and women account for 54.3%. This becomes even more troubling when you consider that surveys and polling show women are less likely to feel comfortable getting the vaccine when their turn comes.”

Using the County COVID-19 Dashboard, the County Executive also demonstrated how infections are impacting certain age groups. While those in their 20’s still have by far the highest number of total positives to date at 4,216, other age brackets continue to experience larger increases in recent months. Between January 19 and February 11, positives cases among 20- to 29-year-olds rose by 19.3%, for those between 10 and 19 years old infections increased by 21%, for people in their 40’s infections rose 22.4%, and for those in their 30’s positive cases increased by 22.6%.

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also took time to congratulate County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen for receiving the Four Chaplains Award for her service throughout the pandemic. As Commissioner of the County Department of Health, Dr. Whalen leads a team of highly dedicated professionals who have served our community non-stop since this crisis started and made sacrifices, just as the Four Chaplains had done. 

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. For those who would like additional information on vaccinations, or to pre-register for Albany County’s vaccination initiatives, please use the link here.

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.