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Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today with County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen that there are now 228 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 439 people under mandatory quarantine and 241 people under precautionary quarantine. 

With 22 individuals now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for the county now stands at just over 9.6%. Twelve adults are now in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).The County Executive also announced the second death in Albany County due to COVID-19: A woman in her 60’s with multiple underlying health issues.

“As we see the death toll rise not only across the country, but right here in Albany County, it is critical that we do everything we can to protect the health and safety of our residents. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. It bears repeating: Everyone in the community can play a part in potentially saving a life. Everyone shoulders part of the responsibility to self-isolate and to practice social distancing and good hand hygiene,” said County Executive McCoy.

“During these unprecedented times, we’re also looking to bolster protections for our homeless population. County-contracted shelters that provide food and connect the homeless with important medical, mental health and counseling services have become overcrowded. We’re investing even more in motels and hotels, ramping up cleanings in shelters and will soon begin taking temperatures of clients,” he continued.

Albany County has electronic messaging signs at various locations throughout our area that have been activated by the Albany County Department of Public Works stating to Stay Safe; Stop the Spread; Stay Home.

On Census Day, County Executive McCoy also encouraged Albany County residents to fill out the 2020 Census online, by phone or by mail. Albany County’s response rate now stands at 36.9%, ahead of the national response rate of 36.2%, and even further ahead of New York’s rate at 31.1%.

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.

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 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.