Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy held a briefing today to announce progress being made on the county’s efforts to administer the COVID vaccine and control the spread of the virus. To date, Albany County has administered or reallocated 24,325 first and second doses. The Times Union Center points of dispensing (POD’s) have provided for the bulk of vaccinations and are responsible for 17,455 first and second doses. 

The most recent data shows that 30.4% of the Albany County’s population has received their first dose, and 15.4% has received both doses. So far, more than 35,200 people have utilized the county’s pre-registration tool, including nearly 23,900 Albany County residents and 12,000 City of Albany residents. For the briefing, the County Executive was joined by County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen.

“In just the last four days, Albany County has been able to get an additional 3,519 total shots in arms through our clinics at the Times Union Center and with the help of our partners throughout the community. As we continue at this pace, with additional appointments now available at UAlbany and the Washington Avenue Armory, eventually we will need the State to expand eligibility to a larger portion of our essential workforce and those younger than 60 years old,” said County Executive McCoy.

“The Governor announced yesterday that sports venues can reopen starting April 1, however indoor arenas would be limited to 10% capacity. Unfortunately, if we don’t increase that limit to at least 25%, arena football won’t be able to operate at a profit. That means the National Arena League season at the Times Union Center would have to be put on hold until next year, which would be extremely disappointing to the fans, and all of the workers employed by our arena,” he continued.

During the briefing, the County Executive announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 21,572 to date, an increase of 65 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has increased to 61 from 57.6. 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, 14 had close contact with positive cases, 47 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, two reported traveling out of state, and two are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 454 active cases in the county, down from 466 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,353 from 1,393. So far, 68,297 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 21,118 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 71 recoveries since yesterday.

The County Executive reported that there were five new hospitalization overnight, and there are now 24 county residents hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of three. There are currently five patients in ICU’s, unchanged from yesterday. There are no new COVID-related deaths to report, and the death toll for Albany County still stands at 365 since the outbreak began. 

Due to the previously scheduled NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Regionals at the Times Union Center, some of the second doses scheduled for next week and the following week at the Times Union Center are being moved to the Albany Capital Center. Those with appointments on Thursday, March 25; Saturday, March 27; and Monday, March 29 will now be receiving their vaccination at the Capital Center at 55 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12207.

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.

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. 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.

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.