Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today with County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen that as of this morning, there are now 330 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 441 people under mandatory quarantine and 43 people under precautionary quarantine. Since yesterday, there has been an additional death related to the coronavirus – a woman in her 70’s with multiple underlying medical conditions – putting the death toll for the county at nine.

With 37 people now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at just over 11.2%. Thirteen of those individuals are now in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Phil Calderone, Chief Executive Officer of the Albany International Airport, joined the County Executive for the announcement to discuss how they’re responding to the COVID-19 outbreak and how the airport has been affected by it. 

“We now have nine families in Albany County who have been absolutely devastated by deaths related to COVID-19, and this really needs to be a wakeup call to those who are still having parties and businesses who are still ignoring state guidelines on nonessential economic sectors,” said County Executive McCoy. “That’s why we will continue to work with law enforcement and the state to ensure that those who are being reckless and inconsiderate and endangering their communities will be held accountable.”

Travelers going through security checkpoints at the Albany International Airport has dropped nearly 95% since the outbreak of the virus, according to CEO Phil Calderone, showing signs that many are adhering to warnings from the County Executive and state guidelines on self-isolation and social distancing. Since almost all of the concessions at Albany Airport have closed and revenue has slowed, spending cuts have been made to ensure important services continue, including medevac flights, essential business flights, and the delivery of critical cargo like medical supplies and equipment. A Coronvirus Taskforce and contingency plans were created in partnership with Albany County to ensure that the most basic functions of the airport, including the air traffic control tower, would be able to continue in the case of a serious COVID-19-related emergency, preventing any kind of shutdown.

Residents at Shaker Place are participating in the 518 rainbow challenge and County Executive McCoy shared a picture of the balloon rainbow that has been started.

On Monday, Governor Cuomo extended the New York on Pause, keeping nonessential businesses closed until April 29 and increased fines for violations of social distancing from $500 to $1,000. He has also created a complaint intake form that residents can use.

For those who are experiencing stress, anxiety or even depression during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, County Executive McCoy also announced that the County Mental Health Support Line has expanded its hours and is now available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm thanks to additional help from community volunteers. Residents can access that line at (518) 269-6634. The County Executive is also offering videos on coping, AAU martial arts, exercise and more. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500.

Daily briefings are recorded and may be seen with slides on our website, and on the County’s Facebook page, public access channels—Open Stage Media in Schenectady and Channel Albany in the city of Albany and on Capitol OTB—Channel 1250 Spectrum and Channel 467 on Fios.

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.