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Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that there are now 178 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 539 people under mandatory quarantine and 234 people under precautionary quarantine. With 13 individuals now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for the county now stands at 7.3%. Those in the hospital range in age from 25 to over 75.

Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen and Albany County Department of Mental Health Director Dr. Stephen Giordano joined the County Executive for the announcement.

“People throughout the Capital Region are feeling stressed out and their levels of anxiety are understandably high. That’s why we established an emotional support line that you can call to relieve some of that anxiety,” said County Executive McCoy. “Dr. Giordano joined me two days ago to talk about those issues and I’m happy to say that since then, we have had a dozen mental health professionals volunteer to help out. With that additional assistance, we may be able to announce extended hours for the hotline as early as next week.”

The Mental Health Support Line number is operational seven days a week from 8:00am to 5:00pm 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 announced a continuing partnership with United Way 2-1-1 to now help by guiding callers in need of food support to the right numbers. Albany County has partnered with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to ensure those who are placed under mandatory and precautionary quarantine have enough food to sustain themselves. This Monday, the Times Union Center will serve as a hub for the food to be delivered, boxed and then shipped out to households with the assistance of the New York National Guard.

County Executive McCoy thanked our Department for Aging and Commissioner Deb Riitano who have been coordinating home delivered meals for our seniors and staying in constant contact with them so that they are in good mental health during this isolation period. 

The County Executive also stated today that he is working on ways to assist the business community and will make an announcement shortly. He encourages local businesses looking for immediate help to seek loans through the Small Business Administration website. To apply, go to www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

County Executive McCoy reminded the public that if you are placed under precautionary quarantine, the County Health Department warns that it is absolutely essential that you abide by those guidelines and remain in your home to prevent the spread of this virus. If you do not, it can and will be changed to a mandatory quarantine that is legally binding. Yesterday, it was discovered that sixteen different households were not complying with quarantine orders, leading to law enforcement being sent to encourage compliance.

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, which may be accessed through our website.

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.