Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that there are now 254 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 412 people under mandatory quarantine and 123 people under precautionary quarantine. Since yesterday, there have been two additional deaths due to the Novel Coronavirus – two men in their 60’s with underlying health conditions. The death toll for the county now stands at four. 

With 30 individuals now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for the county stands at just over 11.8%. Fifteen adults are now in Intensive Care Units (ICU). County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen and County Department of Mental Health Director Dr. Stephen Giordano joined the County Executive in making the announcement.

“As more and more families are devastated and we tragically lose more lives in the wake of this pandemic, Albany County’s mission becomes twofold: To continue to do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus through social distancing and self-isolation, and to ensure that we all have the emotional support that we need,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“My condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. This is difficult news for all of us to handle. If you are struggling with depression or even just stress, we continue to encourage you to call our Mental Health Support Line and talk to someone. There are also ways to improve your mental wellbeing, including meditation, exercise, eating right and taking care of the basics at home,” he continued. 

The Albany County Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am to 5pm at (518) 269-6634. County Executive McCoy is also offering videos on coping, exercise and more. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500.

With a priority on tracking those who have been exposed to COVID-19, the Albany County Health Department is asking that if you were at Popeye’s at 900 Central Avenue in Albany on Monday, March 23 from 4pm to10pm or Wednesday, March 25 from 11:30am to 4pm, please remain at home under precautionary quarantine until April 6 and April 8, respectively. You may have been exposed. Those individuals should also contact the Albany County Department of Health immediately at (518) 447-4580.

Additionally, County Executive McCoy today took the time to thank Ford Motor Company for delivering 7,000 face shields to Albany Med, Albany Memorial and St. Peter’s Hospitals. He also thanked Laborer’s Local Union 190 for donating PPE equipment to Albany County.

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.