Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 21,194 to date, an increase of 49 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 56.6 from 59.4. 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 Coronavirus, 18 had close contact with positive cases, 28 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, one reported traveling out of state, and two are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 523 active cases in the county, down from 534 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased slightly to 1,349 from 1,344. So far, 66,773 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 20,671 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 58 recoveries since yesterday.

County Executive McCoy reported that there were four new hospitalizations overnight, and there are now 27 county residents hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of three. There are currently five patients in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. There were no new COVID-related deaths to announce, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 362 since the outbreak began.

For the briefing, the County Executive looked back at the previous year, highlighting the challenges Albany County and New York State faced amid the pandemic and the economic shutdown, and the various initiatives that were pursued to keep residents safe and businesses afloat. He was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen.

“It’s hard to believe that one year has passed since we confirmed those first two cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. So much has happened over the last 365 days, and more than 200 COVID briefings later. Everyone has been affected, some more than others. Too many have lost mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters, friends and loved ones. Others have had to shut down their businesses for good or lost life savings. But along with the pain and suffering the Coronavirus has caused, our community has come together for the greater good in a way that I’ve never seen before, and I couldn’t be more proud,” said County Executive McCoy.

“The county’s partners and volunteers have helped us get food to those placed under quarantine, contact trace, establish testing sites across the region, fight for our local businesses, distribute PPE, bolster mental health services, distribute vaccines, and keep the public informed all along the way. There are too many people to thank, but they have played an indispensable part in something bigger than themselves, and they deserve to be proud as well. This fight is not over, by any means, but we’ve come a long way, and I can confidently say there is hope. Each day, that light at the end of the tunnel gets a little brighter,” he continued.

During the briefing, the County Executive provided an update on Albany County’s progress on vaccinations. As of yesterday, 25.9% of county residents have received at least their first doses of the COVID vaccine, the second highest rate of any county in the Capital Region. Additionally, Commissioner Whalen reported that 51.5% of those in the county who are 65 years of age and older have been vaccinated. Since January, Albany County has now administered 9,630 first doses of the vaccine and 4,141 second doses, at the Times Union Center, including 773 second doses yesterday. There were 948 additional first doses planned for the TU Center POD scheduled for today. 

County Executive McCoy also announced during the briefing that the Walmart pharmacy locations in Albany on Washington Avenue Extension and in Glenmont on Route 9W are now offering vaccination appointments. Other locations are in Troy, Schenectady and Amsterdam. They have each been allotted 150 to 200 doses. Eligible populations include the 60+ population, educators, and staff of licensed childcare providers. To make an appointment, call the Washington Ave. Ext. location at (518) 869-4697 or the Glenmont location at (518) 432-1747. You can also use the online registration at the link here.

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 and vaccination clinics at the Times Union Center, 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.