Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 8,315 to date, an increase of 205 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives increased to 181.6 from 176. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.
During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also reported that among the new positive cases, 25 had close contact with positive cases, 166 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and 14 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings – though none from Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. There are now 1,549 active cases in the county, down from 1,691 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 3,279 from 3,317. So far, 29,144 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 6,766 of them had tested positive and recovered.
There were 15 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 96 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net increase of two. There are now 15 patients in the ICU, unchanged from yesterday. There were no new COVID-related deaths to report and the death toll for the county still stands at 183 since the outbreak began. For the briefing, the County Executive was joined by New York State Restaurant Association President & CEO Melissa Fleischut to discuss his recent emergency order capping third party food delivery fees at 15%.
“Restaurants and bars were already operating on razor thin profit margins before the outbreak of COVID-19. With indoor dining limited to 50% and winter weather preventing outdoor dining, we need to make delivery fees affordable and fair for them and the customer that may not feel safe sitting down for a meal. That’s why our emergency order during this COVID-19 pandemic for a 15% cap for third-party companies is so important,” said County Executive McCoy. “We recognize that some of our local businesses rely on these companies for marketing, but it shouldn’t be a one-sided relationship, especially when some rely on delivery for more than half of their income.”
“We applaud Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the Albany County Legislature for taking proactive steps in helping the restaurant industry when it needs it the most,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association. “With limited indoor dining capacity, restaurants across the region have been relying on takeout and delivery more than ever. The delivery and marketing fees some third-party delivery companies charge can dramatically cut into the profit margin of every order, sometimes taking as much as 30% away from the local restaurant. Capping these fees will allow owners to keep more money in the restaurant, giving them a better chance of making it through this difficult time.”
Below is the remainder of the schedule for Albany County’s COVID-19 mobile testing sites this week, a collaboration with the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center. Testing is for those experiencing symptoms, essential workers and those returning to work by appointment only, after being screened over the phone. To be screened, please call (518) 465-4771.
Locations & Dates for the Week of December 14
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found here
- Whitney Young Administrative Building, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet, NY 12189
Wednesday, December 16: 12pm – 4pm
- Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
Important – Due to construction at the Times Union Center parking garage, all vehicles must access the garage along Market St. on Level 3. Vehicles may exit on Level 4 or at the newly designated “EXIT ONLY” on Beaver St.
Friday, December 18: 12pm – 4pm
Community-wide 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 NYS 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- 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.
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 NYS 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.
