Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 19,784 to date, an increase of 66 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has increased slightly to 63.6 from 63.4. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.

County Executive McCoy reported that among the new cases of COVID-19, 18 had close contact with positive cases, 43 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and five are associated with healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 591 active cases in the county, down from 628 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 1,655 from 1,535. So far, 61,414 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 19,193 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 96 recoveries since yesterday.

There were six new hospitalizations overnight, and there are now 58 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of one. There are currently 11 patients in ICU’s, up from 10 yesterday. There were no additional COVID-related deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 345 since the outbreak began. For today’s briefing, the County Executive was joined by County Health Department Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen.

“The virus has already taken too many lives, especially those with underlying health conditions, and I made it a point to advocate for those individuals to be eligible for the vaccine. Even though as a member of the National Guard I have been eligible to get the shot for months, I wanted our most vulnerable and more of our essential workforce to be able to get it first. Now that they are, I have rolled up my sleeve to do my part in the war against COVID-19, and I’ve gotten my first dose earlier this week” said County Executive. 

“I know there are those who still have concerns about getting the vaccine. But I join health experts to say that it’s safe and it’s effective, and we need more people to be willing to get vaccinated in order for us to stop the spread of the virus, to protect our community, to prevent more mutations, and to return to some sense of normalcy,” he continued.

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also reminded residents that tonight’s scheduled vaccination point of dispensing (POD) clinic had to be postponed due to severe winter weather conditions earlier in the week that delayed shipments of vaccine doses. It is tentatively rescheduled for Monday, February 22, but the Albany County Department of Health will confirm once the vaccine has been received. It is anticipated that Monday’s second dose POD will be for the same time, from 4pm to 7pm. The Health Department has been reaching out to those with appointments via email. 

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.

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 February 15 
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

Friday, February 19: 9AM – 11AM
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.