Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there are now 365 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 477 people under mandatory quarantine and 50 people under precautionary quarantine. Since yesterday, there have been two additional deaths due to the coronavirus – two women, one in her 70’s and another in her 80’s, both with multiple underlying medical conditions. The death toll for the county now stands at eleven.

With 34 people now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at just over 9.3%. Fourteen of those individuals are now in Intensive Care Units (ICU). County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen joined the County Executive to make the announcement. 

“As we see the number of positive cases in Albany County still on the rise, my staff and I continue to bolster our efforts and look for new ways to better protect the public from this insidious virus that has taken far too many of our people already. We will continue to do what we can to ensure social distancing and large gatherings restrictions are followed and disseminate new information to the public,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“Within the same 24-hour period, the State Department of Health recommended the use of face coverings while out in public and the federal government announced that their stockpile of personal protective equipment had been depleted by 90%. That having been said, we continue to ask for any of those who are able to make and donate their own face coverings to please send them to our County Department of Health to help ensure that surgical and N95 masks are reserved for healthcare workers and first responders,” he added. 

Citing recent studies that demonstrate many people who are carrying COVID-19 do not showing any symptoms, the New York State Department of Health issued new guidance last night that supports the use of “cloth face coverings” when out in public and social distancing can be difficult. That includes in essential business places like grocery stores, pharmacies and hardware stores. Coverings should fit tightly across an individual’s face and cover their nose and mouth.

On a bright note, County Executive McCoy extends birthday wishes to Rose Nenni of Colonie who turns 100 today. Rose has been baking a cake a week during Lent to give to folks she felt needed it. What a marvelous act of kindness. Happy Birthday, Rose!

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. 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 AlbanyCounty.com, 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.