Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today with County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen that there are now 187 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 505 people under mandatory quarantine and 233 people under precautionary quarantine. With 15 individuals now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for the county now stands at just over 8%. There are also seven people in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Yesterday, County Executive McCoy announced that a man in his 70’s with multiple underlying medical issues had died after a short period of time at St. Peter’s Hospital. 

“On the same day that Albany County experienced its first tragic death due to COVID-19 since the outbreak and as a family mourns, we received reports that multiple businesses were serving drinks to the public at their bars. The tone deafness here is outrageous,” said County Executive McCoy. “If businesses continue to operate as if we are not dealing with a pandemic and put the public at risk in violation of the Governor’s guidelines, they could be hit with a $10,000 fine and could have their liquor license revoked. Let this be a warning that should not be taken lightly.”

For those who are dealing with stress, anxiety and even depression while confined to their homes during the pandemic, the Albany County Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am to 5pm at (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 help by guiding callers in need of food support to the right numbers. Albany County has also 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. 

The County Executive is also 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 https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

While families and residents 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 karate. Other videos include mental health tips on coping and exercise videos. The first videos are up and more will be added over time. You can see the videos here.

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.