Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 20,088 to date, an increase of 43 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 66.4 from 71. 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, six had close contact with positive cases, 34 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and three are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 519 active cases in the county, down from 569 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased dramatically to 1,401 from 1,519. So far, 62,786 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 19,569 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 90 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were two new hospitalizations overnight, and there are now 60 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of two. There are currently seven patients in ICU’s, down from eight yesterday. There was one additional COVID-related death to report – a man in his 60’s – the first reported death since February 17. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 346 since the outbreak began.

“Overall, the situation surrounding COVID continues to improve, thanks in large part to people following the health guidelines. However, our restaurants are still not able to open at full capacity, and even when they do, many residents still may not feel comfortable sitting down in the restaurant to eat. We know many of these businesses rely on the third-party online delivery model to bring in revenue, but we need to create a better and more mutually beneficial system, and that’s exactly what Local Law J will do,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“Charging more than 20% of a purchase price for delivery, marketing and other hidden fees during a public health crisis is exploitive and won’t be tolerated in Albany County. This law builds on my executive order first signed in December, and I commend the Legislature for enhancing that order by ensuring restaurants have recourse against any bad actors.”

Local Law J makes it unlawful for third-party online food delivery services to charge food establishments more than 15% of the original purchase price for food delivery. It is now also unlawful for fees of more than 5% of the purchase price for marketing and any “other” fees. Violations of the local law by third-party companies can now be met with civil action to enforce the protections, and local restaurants can seek damages and injunctive relief, and could be entitled to compensation for attorney fees.

The protections offered within Local Law J remain in effect only as long as a state of emergency has been declared by the Governor or the County Executive that places restrictions on on-premises indoor dining. These safeguards last until 90 days after the end of that declared emergency. The local law was passed by the Albany County Legislature unanimously on February 8, 2021. It will take effect once it is filed with the Secretary of the State. (photo attached of County Executive McCoy signing Local Law J into law).

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 a vaccine appointment, please use the link here.

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 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.