ALBANY, N.Y. — Albany County confirmed five new deaths linked to COVID-19. Among the deaths are a woman in her 40s, three men in their 80s, and a woman in her 80s. The death toll for Albany County stands at 562 since the outbreak began.
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy also confirmed five new COVID-19 hospitalizations since Monday and 18 new hospitalizations overall since Friday’s update. There are 43 county residents currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus – a net decrease of four over the last four days. Of those hospital patients, there are five currently in ICUs, up from the three last reported.
Additionally, Albany County saw 100 new infections identified since Monday and 568 new infections since the last update on Friday. The county’s seven-day average of new daily positive cases is down to 189.8 from 218.5.
Albany County’s most recent seven-day average of COVID cases per 100,000 is down to 49.6 (with an average percent positive rate of 13.1%), and the Capital Region’s average of cases per 100,000 is down to 49.9 (with an average percent positive rate of 11.8%).
“It saddens me to have to report so many county residents losing their lives to COVID complications since the last update on Friday, and my condolences go out to their families and loved ones. These individuals are unfortunate reminders that this virus is still a danger for many, but especially for those who are not vaccinated, and those with underlying health conditions and weakened immune systems,” said County Executive McCoy. “I continue to urge people to stay vigilant, to take precautions whenever possible, and to get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already.”
Due to New York State closing down its Virtual Call Center, there will be an unknown margin of error in the reporting of the county’s COVID-19 case data, as residency discrepancies and duplicative counting of cases may occur. The issue of data accuracy is compounded by the lack of reporting of at-home test results, which has been a consistent issue since the onset of Omicron.
McCoy continues to encourage residents to submit the positive results of at-home COVID-19 testing on the county website, and they should utilize the online submission link, or visit the Albany County website.
As of Monday, 81.4% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine and 74.4% have completed their original vaccination series. Among the eligible population, 74.6% have received the booster shot. More information on vaccination rates around the state can be found at the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker.
Residents can receive free Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines (including booster shots) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., each week at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street. Aside from Wednesdays, appointments are required and can be made at the link here. Anyone eligible to receive a COVID-19 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 at the link here 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.
