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 397 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 520 people under mandatory quarantine and 75 people under precautionary quarantine. Since yesterday, there has been an additional death due to the coronavirus – a man in his 50’s with multiple underlying medical conditions. The death toll for the county now stands at twelve.

With 38 people now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at just over 9.5%. Fourteen of those individuals are now in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, Sr. joined the County Executive during the announcement to discuss their efforts to ensure state social distancing and mass gathering restrictions are being enforced at the local level.

“I first and foremost want to extend my condolences to the loved ones of the latest victim of COVID-19 in our community. Every death during this pandemic is nothing short of an absolutely crushing loss, and the death of this man in his 50’s is a sobering reminder that it is not just seniors who are succumbing to the virus,” said County Executive McCoy. “If you are not social distancing yourself and staying home for your own well-being, do it for those around you. Each of our fates are intertwined with each other’s actions during this crisis, and we need to flatten the curve together.”

Sheriff Apple explained they have investigated about 35 complaints to date for bars and restaurants in Albany County serving to people in-house. While warnings have been given and cease-and-desist orders have been signed, no follow ups to date have been  needed for any of the local businesses for further enforcement. Currently, businesses who continue to flout state guidelines could receive a maximum $10,000 fine and have their licensed revoked by the State Liquor Authority. On Monday, Governor Cuomo extended the New York on Pause Executive Order, 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 if they see violations, which can be found at the below link:

State COVID-19 Complaint Intake Form Link

Additionally, County Executive McCoy expressed his thanks to the Albany County Department for Aging which has delivered more than 20,000 meals in the past two weeks and talked to several hundred seniors and families. 

The County Executive also thanked Plug Power for a generous donation of PPE for our healthcare workers and first responders.

And he shared an inspirational picture of staff at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center supporting residents and letting families know they are there for their loved ones when family and friends cannot be there.

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. More information can be found at the below link:

State Dept. of Health Guidelines Link

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 on the Albany County official website at the below link. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500.

COVID-19 Resources & Videos Link

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.