Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 20,605 to date, an increase of 46 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has dropped to 66.4 from 80.4. 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, 13 had close contact with positive cases, 30 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and three are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 584 active cases in the county, down from 611 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,494 from 1,511. So far, 64,425 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 20,021 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 70 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were seven new hospitalizations overnight, and there are now 41 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of five. There are currently four patients in ICU’s, up from three yesterday. There was one new COVID-related death to report – a woman in her 70’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 353 since the outbreak began. 

“We continue to move in the right direction, with another successful COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Times Union Center last night, and one to follow this Thursday and another on Saturday. A registration link for Thursday’s POD will be posted to the Albany County website tonight at 5pm. Separately, we’re still encouraging residents to use our pre-registration tool while looking for vaccine appointments with other providers as a second option, which is being used for future distributions,” said County Executive McCoy.

“And while vaccinations are a priority, testing is still an important tool to identify where the virus is spreading and stop it in its tracks, especially because many carrying COVID are asymptomatic. Unfortunately, we’re seeing reports of declining demand for tests across the country because of COVID fatigue, winter weather and a greater focus on vaccinations. We may be seeing the early signs of that here in Albany County and we can’t allow it to happen,” he continued.

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 those who would like additional information on vaccinations, or to pre-register for a vaccine appointment through Albany County’s pre-registration tool, please use the link here. For general information on the vaccine and eligibility, residents can also dial the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s 2-1-1 hotline.

Community-wide free 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 to 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.