Three COVID related deaths reported in Albany County
ALBANY, N.Y. » Albany County reported Friday morning three additional COVID-19 related fatalities, a woman in her 70s; a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s died, brining the total to 203 since the start of the pandemic.
There were 210 new positive cases, bringing the total to 10,156, with the five- day average for new daily positives increasing to 228.8 from 219. The overall case count will fluctuate as CommCare records are transferred in and out of the county. There were 20 new hospitalizations reported overnight, and 107 county residents are currently hospitalized from the virus. There are currently 19 patients in the ICU. County Executive Daniel McCoy reported that among the new positive cases, 27 had close contact with positive cases, 172 did not have a clear source of infection at this time, one reported traveling and 10 are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings. There are now 1,462 active cases in the county, up from 1,430 yesterday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine increased to 3,443 from 3,332.
To date, 34,128 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 8,694 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 169 recoveries since yesterday.
“My heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, and it’s even more difficult when it happens during the holidays” McCoy said. “My deepest sympathies go out to their families. Again, my message continues to be the same as we celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa.
“Please stay home and celebrate with members of your immediate families who live with you to stop the spread of this virus.”
Albany County’s COVID-19 mobile testing site schedule is listed at the Albany County website. It’s 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.
Community-wide testing continues on the University at Albany campus by appointment only for those with or without symptoms. Appointments may be made by calling the NYS hotline at 888364-3065 or by visiting the State Department of Health website.
McCoy continued 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) 8678040
McCoy also encouraged those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to register for the drive-thru 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 their website.
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 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 https://www. doineedacovid19test. com/ 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 7-9 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.
Central Med Urgent Care, 1662 Central Ave., Albany 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.