ALBANY, NY — Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy confirmed a new death attributed to COVID-19. A man in his 80s has died from the virus. Albany County’s death toll stands at 563 since the outbreak began.
149 new infections have been detected since Thursday and 504 new infections since the last update on Tuesday. The county’s seven-day moving average of new daily positive cases has dropped to 153.1 from 189.8.
The most recent seven-day average of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 in Albany County has fallen to 41.8 (with an average percent positive rate of 12.0%), and the average of cases per 100,000 in the capital region is up 41.9 down (with an average positive percentage). rate of 10.6%).
For comparison, Rensselaer County’s 7-day positivity rate is 14.3% and Saratoga County’s is 11.6%.
McCoy confirmed 11 new COVID-19 hospitalizations since Thursday and a total of 26 new hospitalizations since Tuesday’s update. Currently, 45 residents of the district with the corona virus are in the hospital. Of those hospitalized patients, seven are currently in intensive care units, up from the last reported five.
“Unfortunately, since Tuesday, we have lost another county resident to complications from COVID, and I extend my condolences to his loved ones,” County Executive McCoy said. “As we begin the holiday weekend and people are traveling and gathering, I encourage you to remember the precautions set out by the CDC when you are indoors and get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already done so to have.”
As New York State closes its virtual call center, there will be an unknown margin of error in reporting the county’s COVID-19 case data due to residency discrepancies and case double counting. The problem of data accuracy is exacerbated by the lack of reporting of home test results, which has been a persistent concern since Omicron’s launch.
McCoy continues to encourage residents to submit positive at-home COVID test results to the county website and they should use the online submission link or visit the Albany County website.
On the vaccine front, as of Thursday, 81.5% of all Albany County residents have received at least the first dose of the vaccine and 74.5% have completed their initial vaccination course. 63.9% of the eligible population have now received at least one booster shot.
Residents can obtain 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. Appointments are required except Wednesdays and can be made at the link. Anyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot and wishes to receive one from the Albany County Department of Health and Human Services must present their vaccination card or Excelsior Pass Plus to show the formula type, lot number, and date of vaccination.
Albany County continues to deliver vaccines to homebound residents, including seniors, people with disabilities, those without childcare, and those with other accessibility issues. Anyone wishing to make an appointment for a vaccination appointment should call (518) 447-7198.
Residents who wish to get vaccinated at a state 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 about the vaccine, residents can also call 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 and Human Services at (518) 447-4580.
COVID-19 testing continues to be available throughout Albany County and the Capital Region. For help locating a testing location near you, visit the New York State website and the Albany County website.
