Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy provided the latest report on the county’s progress on vaccinations and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus. As of yesterday, 71.9% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 66% have been fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 83%. More information on vaccination rates around the state can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker at the link here.
County Executive McCoy announced that the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 29,579 to date, with 83 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The county’s five-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 87.6. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county. Albany County’s most recent seven-day average of percent positive rates is now 3.6% and the Capital Region’s average remained at 3.6%.
Among the new daily cases of COVID identified in the county, 20 had close contacts to positive cases, 58 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and five are healthcare workers or residents of congregate living settings. There are now 515 active cases in the county, down from 544 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 857 from 865. So far 92,637 people have completed quarantine to date. Of those who completed quarantine, 29,064 of them had tested positive and recovered – an increase of 107 additional recoveries.
County Executive McCoy reported that there were six new hospitalizations since yesterday, and there is now a total of 37 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus. Nine of those hospital patients remain in ICU’s, a decrease of two from yesterday. Unfortunately, there is one new COVID death to report – an individual in their 40’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 410 since the outbreak began.
“Since the beginning of September, I have reported multiple younger Albany County residents have died from COVID-19 who are in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. To those people who keep saying COVID is only taking our older citizens, you’re wrong,” said County Executive McCoy. “It is a difficult time to lose a loved one of any age and my prayers go out to the latest family who is grieving. Three more Albany County residents have died this week and it’s critical that we get everyone vaccinated and continue to wear masks indoors, social distance, wash our hands frequently and cough into our arms/elbows to better protect the community.”
Anyone eligible to receive a COVID vaccine booster dose and would like to receive one from the Albany County Department of Health will be required to provide their vaccination card or the Excelsior Pass Plus in order to view the formula type, lot number and date of the inoculation. More information on the booster dose can be found at the New York State website here.
Upcoming Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics:
Saturday, October 16, 10am to 12pm
(Pfizer Booster and 1st doses)
Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School
1738 Helderberg Trail, Berne, NY
(Residents are encouraged to register in advance at the Albany County website here)
Monday, October 18, 5pm to 6pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st & 2nd Doses; Johnson & Johnson single dose available)
Food Not Bombs
Townsend Park
Albany
Saturday, October 23, 12pm to 3pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st & 2nd Doses; Johnson & Johnson single dose available)
Albany County’s Fall Fest
Lawson Lake County Park
293 Lawson Lake Road, Feura Bush
(Residents are encouraged to register in advance at the Albany County website here)
Thursday, October 28, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st & 2nd Doses)
Colonie Central High School
1 Raider Blvd., Colonie
Saturday, November 6, 10 am to 12pm
(Pfizer Booster, 1st, and 2nd Doses)
Breakfast with Grand Street Community Arts
Corner of Madison Ave. & Grand St, Albany, NY
Saturday, November 13, time TBD
(Pfizer Booster, 1st, and 2nd Doses)
Black Expo
Albany Capital Center
55 Eagle St, Albany, NY
Albany County continues to deliver vaccines to homebound residents, which includes seniors, disabled individuals, those lacking childcare and those with other accessibility issues. Anyone who would like to schedule a time for a vaccine appointment should call (518) 447-7198.
Residents can also receive free Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines Monday through Friday, 9am – 3pm, each week at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street. The 12+ population is currently eligible. No appointments are needed and walk-ins are welcome. Those 12 to 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A follow up second dose clinic will be scheduled at the time of the first dose appointment. Free transportation is available for anyone at least 60 years old (and a caregiver), by calling the County Department for Aging in advance at (518) 447-7198.
For those who would like additional information on vaccinations and vaccination clinics organized by Albany County, please use the link here. Residents who want a shot from 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. Walk-ins are welcome at state-run facilities. For general information on the vaccine, residents can also dial the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s 2-1-1 hotline or the Albany County Department of Health at (518) 447-4580.
COVID-19 testing continues to be available throughout Albany County and the Capital Region. Help finding a testing site near you can be found at the New York State website here and the Albany County website here.