Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 16,744 to date, an increase of 255 new positive cases since yesterday. The five-day average for new daily positives has increased to 213 from 206. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.
Among the new positive cases, 40 had close contact with positive cases, one had traveled out of state, 196 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and 18 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,753 active cases in the county, down from 1,802 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 2,888 from 2,934. So far, 49,567 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 14,991 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 283 recoveries since yesterday.
The County Executive reported that there were 22 new hospitalizations overnight, and there are 168 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of two. There are 13 patients in ICU’s, the same as yesterday. Sadly, there were five additional COVID-related deaths to report since yesterday: A woman in her 50’s, two men in their 60’s, a man in his 80’s and a woman in her 90’s. The death toll for the county now stands at 291 since the outbreak began.
During the briefing, County Executive McCoy was joined by University at Albany President Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, The College of Saint Rose President Marcia White, and Siena College President Dr. Christopher Gibson to discuss students returning to Albany County for their spring semesters.
“COVID-19 has been a learning experience for everyone, and that goes for government, businesses and higher education alike. I want to thank Presidents White, Rodriguez and Gibson for their incredible leadership and partnership throughout the pandemic. No one has a crystal ball, and they’ve demonstrated an ability to adapt and pivot during the fall and now spring semesters, and their safety protocols have only been strengthened. Between testing for students returning and regular tests throughout the semester, eliminating spring breaks, expanding remote learning and so many other innovations, parents can have the peace of mind they deserve in sending their kids back to school and ensure students don’t fall behind,” said County Executive McCoy.
“I also want to give a special thank you to the University at Albany, who has not only worked tirelessly to keep their students safe, but has been crucial in our response to the Coronavirus as a community. Their RNA Institute’s pooled surveillance testing, and their community testing and vaccine dispensing sites are incredible resources to the other colleges and all of Albany County,” 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 general information on the vaccine and eligibility, residents can also dial the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s 2-1-1.
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 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- 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.
