Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 21,083 to date, an increase of 61 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 60.2 from 66.2. 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 Coronavirus, 21 had close contact with positive cases, 37 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one reported traveling out of state, and two are healthcare workers or residents of a congregate setting. There are now 521 active cases in the county, down from 532 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,377 from 1,384. So far, 66,398 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 20,562 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 70 recoveries since yesterday.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were two new hospitalizations overnight, and there are now 29 county residents hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of one. There are currently four patients in ICU’s, down from five yesterday. There were no new COVID-related deaths to announce, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 361 since the outbreak began.

“The State opening vaccine eligibility to those who are 60 years of age and older starting today is a monumental step forward in our fight against COVID, because we know too many people have lost their lives to the virus who are in their 60’s and even in their 50’s. I encourage those who are newly eligible to make appointments where they can, and to use our pre-registration tool to get their names on the list,” said County Executive McCoy.

“Allowing our public-facing county workers to be vaccinated starting March 17 was also the right move and is something I’ve been advocating strongly for. Our county employees risked their health and safety to provide essential programs and services and kept our communities safe during the worst of the pandemic. They deserved to be deemed essential to get the vaccine,” 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.