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 475 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 638 people under mandatory quarantine and 74 people under precautionary quarantine. Since yesterday, there have tragically been two additional deaths in the county – a man and a woman in their 70’s with underlying health conditions. The death toll for the county stands at fourteen.

With 38 people now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at 8%. Sixteen of those individuals are now in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Of the 475 positive cases of COVID-19, 216 individuals have recovered from the disease. Albany County Department for Children, Youth and Families Commissioner Moira Manning joined County Executive McCoy during the announcement to discuss the county services that are available to keep kids safe and in nurturing homes during a time of social distancing and self-quarantines. 

“While the situation related to COVID-19 in New York looks to be stabilizing, which is certainly good news, we’re still losing residents to the virus and any decision to reopen the economy and schools anytime soon is premature and would ultimately put lives at risk. I strongly urge everyone to continue to stay home and practice social distancing so we can build on the progress we’re seeing,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“We also continue to monitor the impact these mitigation efforts have on the various aspects of our community, including volatile situations in households due to stress. Reports of child abuse have gone down during this time, which can only be attributed to the fact that mandated reporters, including teachers and doctors, are not seeing those children,” he continued. 

County Executive McCoy and Commissioner Manning encouraged members of the community to speak out if they see any kind of possible abuse that concerns them and call the county at (518) 447-7324 or the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 800-342-3720. Many county programs to uphold the quality of life of children and families continue to function during the pandemic, including the Healthy Families Home Visiting Program, children’s mental health services, including care management and outpatient services, and early intervention programs. More information can be found at www.AlbanyKids.com.

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the County Department for Children, Youth and Families placed pinwheels on State Street in Albany across from the County Office Building last week.

For those who are experiencing stress, anxiety or even depression during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the County Mental Health Support Line is now available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm at (518) 269-6634. The County Executive is also offering videos on coping, crafts and reading, AAU martial arts, exercise and more. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500.

Citing recent studies that demonstrate many people who are carrying COVID-19 do not showing any symptoms, the New York State Department of Health has issued new guidance 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.

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, including issues with price gouging and fraudulent products, 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.