Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 19,996 to date, an increase of 67 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has increased to 70.6 from 68.8. 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, 23 had close contact with positive cases, 41 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and three are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 592 active cases in the county, the same as yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,644 from 1,651. So far, 62,263 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 19,404 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 61 recoveries since yesterday.

County Executive McCoy reported that there was one new hospitalization overnight, and there are now 57 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus. There are currently 7 patients in ICU’s, down from 8 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.

“Our numbers continue to improve but we need to do everything we can to get as many people vaccinated as possible, particularly in our vulnerable communities,” said County Executive McCoy.  “Starting on Wednesday, those living in the zip codes including 12202, 12206, 12207, 12209, and 12210 will be able to sign up for vaccination appointments at the Washington Avenue Armory which start March 3^rd. Albany County has worked with the city of Albany and its partners to establish a pre-registration link for those who want to be vaccinated. When appointments are available and you are eligible, you will be contacted. That link is on our website and listed below.”

There is a virtual training for anyone who needs help with the pre-registration. It runs about 30 minutes and no reservation is required. Simply click the link below to attend:

• Sunday, February 21 at 4:00pm
• Monday, February 22 at 9:00am

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 schedule for Albany County’s COVID-19 mobile testing sites next 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 22
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.

• Thursday, February 25: 9AM – 11AM
  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)

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.