Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that there are now 166 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 566 people under mandatory quarantine and 247 people under precautionary quarantine. With 15 individuals now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for the county now stands at just over 9%. Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen and County Department of Mental Health Director Dr. Stephen Giordano joined him in making the announcement. 

“While we continue to work to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19, we understand that there is anxiety that exists throughout our communities. It’s not just worries from the virus itself, but also the economic anxiety that stems from the fallout of the response to the virus as US jobless claims climbed to nearly 3.3 million,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“That’s why we continue to invest in mental health resources that can help families and residents who are struggling, including our Mental Health Support Line and coping technique videos on our website, and ensuring our Mental Health Department continues to operate efficiently,” he continued.

The Mental Health Support Line is for those dealing with stress and anxiety while remaining in their homes. That number is operational seven days a week from 8am to 5pm by calling (518) 269-6634. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500.

County Executive McCoy also reminded the public and the media that anyone who was at the Victory Bible Church at 21 Hackett Blvd. in Albany on Sunday, March 15 from 12:30 to 2pm should remain in their homes under precautionary quarantine until March 29. They should also contact the Albany County Department of Health immediately at (518) 447-4580.

While families are home, Albany County departments are also producing short videos to help parents and kids pass the time with everything from arts and crafts and reading to mental health tips and exercise videos. The first videos are up and more will be added throughout the week. You can see them on our AlbanyCountyCares YouTube channel, or on our website at: www.albanycounty.com/covid-19/resources

With visitation being placed on hold at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, children and families are being asked to send messages or pictures to older residents there. This can also help with social isolation and mental health issues. E-cards can be sent to AlbanyCountyKidsCare@albanycountyny.gov. For all COVID-19 questions and concerns, residents are encouraged to use United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline as well as the State Department of Health’s hot line at 888-364-3065.

If you would like to volunteer for the Albany County Medical Reserve Corps to help the response to COVID-19, please visit the below website to register. The Department of Health has a higher demand for especially looking for help answering phones and making calls to residents under quarantine. For additional assistance, you can call the Department of Health’s MRC Coordinator at (518) 447-4610 or visit www.albanycounty.com/mrc .