Albany County reports 143 new cases; one new death
ALBANY, N.Y. » Officials in Albany County confirmed 143 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday as well as one new death.
A woman in her 60s who was a resident of a congregate setting, though not a resident of Shaker Place died. The death toll for the county now stands at 168 since the outbreak began.
“It’s never easy to lose a loved one, especially around the holidays. My deepest condolences go out to the latest family who has experienced some of the worst of the pandemic, and to the 167 other families who have lost someone,” Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said. “We need to continue to work together as a community to control the spread of the virus. Please continue to avoid large gatherings, wear a mask, socially distance, and get tested, including at any of the new sites we’re bringing online.”
McCoy announced Sunday that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 6,635 to date, an increase of 143 new positive cases since Saturday.
The five- day average for new daily positives decreased to 161.8 from 165. Please note that our overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county.
The county executive also reported that among the new positive cases, 36 had close contact with positive cases, 105 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, and two are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings – though none from Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
There are now 1,254 active cases in the county, an increase from 1,106 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 2,345 from 2,191. So far, 25,553 people have com
pleted quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 5,381 of them had tested positive and recovered.
There were three new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are 84 county residents currently hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of five. The hospitalization rate is now 1.26%. There are still currently 14 patients in the ICU, unchanged from Saturday.
Below is next week’s schedule for Albany County’s COVID-19 mobile testing sites, 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 and dates for the week of Dec. 7 (Please note new locations for Monday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 9).
The full updated schedule, along with other testing site options, can be found at the Albany County website here.
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207
*(Important note – 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.)*
• Monday, Dec. 7: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Watervliet Dome - Parks & Recreation (new location), 1300 2nd Ave. (Corner of 13th St. & 2nd Ave.), Watervliet, NY 12189
• Wednesday, Dec. 9: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207
• Friday, Dec. 11: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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. 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 drivethru community testing site at Rite Aid, 1863 Central Ave. 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 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week by appointment only. Registration is now available at www. riteaid.com. 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 Ave. 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 PWN Health. Price Chopper/Market 32 is piloting a free COVID-19 test programat three of its NewYork 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 from7 a.m.- 9 a.m. 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.