1 new death in Albany County's COVID update
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today provided the latest update on the county’s progress on vaccinations and controlling the spread of the Coronavirus.
As of Monday, February 14, 80.8% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, and 73.4% are now fully vaccinated. The first dose vaccination rate for the county’s 18+ population is now up to 89.4%. More information on vaccination rates around the state can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker.
County Executive McCoy announced that the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 61,372 to date, with 64 new positive cases identified since Monday, February 14. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is now down to 99.8. 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 cases per 100,000 is now down to 26.7 (with an average percent positive rate of 5.1%), and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is down to 30.8 (with an average percent positive rate of 5.3%). The latest data can be found at the state tracker.
County Executive McCoy reported that there were seven new hospitalizations since Monday, February 14, and there are now 56 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net increase of one. Of those hospital patients, 10 are currently in ICU’s, up from seven Monday, February 14. There is one new COVID death to report – a man in his 70’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 526 since the outbreak began.
“Despite the progress we’re making in Albany County to bring our infection rate back down, we still continue to lose residents to COVID complications, and my deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones who are grieving,” said County Executive McCoy.
“This virus is still a threat, especially for the unvaccinated, those with underlying health conditions and those with weakened immune systems. It’s not too late to get yourself and your children vaccinated against COVID-19, and I continue to encourage everyone to get the booster shot if they haven’t already to ensure they are as protected as possible. Albany County offers vaccination clinics every day of the week at our Health Department and vaccine home deliveries for those in need,” he continued.
Albany County is hosting another free COVID vaccination clinic at Philip J. Schuyler Achievement Academy, 676 Clinton Ave, Albany, NY 12206 on Thursday, February 17. Residents can get a vaccine from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration is not required, though it is strongly encouraged. Pfizer and Moderna doses will be available, as well as boosters for all eligible populations. Go to the Albany County website to sign up in advance.
County Executive McCoy continues to encourage residents to submit the positive results of at-home COVID testing on the county website, and they should utilize the online submission, or visit the Albany County website.
Residents can receive free Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines (including booster shots) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., each week at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street. Aside from Wednesdays, appointments are now required, which can be made at the Albany County website. 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.
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 who want a shot from a state-run facility should use the state's website or call the state vaccine hotline at 1-833-697-4829. For general information on the vaccine, residents can also dial the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s 2-1-1 hotline or text their zip code to 898-211 or call 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 and the Albany County website.