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 713 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are now 811 people under mandatory quarantine and 41 people under precautionary quarantine. Sadly, since yesterday’s briefing, there have been four more COVID-19 deaths – two men and a woman in their 80’s and a woman in her 90’s. This brings the total number of deaths for the county to 29. A total of 1,805 individuals have completed quarantine, with 385 of them having tested positive and recovered. 

With 33 people now hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at 4.62%, up slightly from yesterday’s rate of 4.42%. Seven of those individuals are currently in Intensive Care Units (ICU), down from nine yesterday. To date, Shaker Place has had 22 residents in total who have tested positive, along with 12 employees, including one staff member who has recovered and returned to work. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli joined the County Executive for the briefing to discuss how the economic shutdown is impacting the New York State and Local Retirement System, pensions and the state budget.

“While the health and safety of Albany County residents are my top priorities, the economic impact of our efforts to stem the spread of this virus is always a concern to me, because I know it is small businesses and everyday residents with pensions and retirements who are being hurt. The compounded effects of a loss of sales, income and property tax revenue will also bring trouble for healthcare and school funding and county programs and services,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“I also want to thank Governor Cuomo for his recent retroactive executive order requested by the Comptroller DiNapoli to waive the statutory 15-day waiting period before public employees’ retirement can take effect during the pandemic. As a former firefighter, I know that this waiting period could decide whether or not your loved ones get the benefits they deserve should something terrible happen while working on the front lines.”

Comptroller DiNapoli discussed an estimated $10 to $15 billion economic impact on the State of New York. Albany County could see a projected 4% to 12% hit to its annual sale tax revenues. While the State Retirement System will be affected, it is still one of the best funded public pension systems in the country. During the global financial crisis and economic recession, the pension system was down 26% and the Comptroller confirmed that that is far from the case now. The pension system remains strong and checks are still being paid on time. He directed any individuals with questions or concerns to the Comptroller's website or to call (518) 474-4040. The Comptroller's “COVID-19 Financial Survival Toolkit” helps with things like employment issues, paying bills, avoiding scams and assistance for small businesses and nonprofits.

“The coronavirus has caused extraordinary challenges for our communities as they work to keep residents safe and provide vital services,” New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. “This is a time when government needs to step up and Albany County residents are lucky to have the leadership of County Executive McCoy and Commissioner Whalen. Albany County is aggressively pushing testing and tracking of this deadly virus, while making sure that services are coordinated and delivered safely. Now we need the federal government to help our local communities, like Albany County, deal with the economic aftermath for the short- and long-term.”

County Executive McCoy took time to highlight the new drive-thru community testing site at Rite Aid, 1863 Central Avenue in Colonie that starts today thanks to a partnership with Town Supervisor Paula Mahan, Rite Aid and the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. Testing is free for those who are eligible based on CDC guidelines and are at least 18 years old. It will be available between 9am and 5pm, seven days a week by appointment only. Registration is now available at www.riteaid.com. Tests will be conducted from within an individual’s car with self-swab nasal tests and with the help of a pharmacist. The site will be conducting an estimated 200 tests each day.

County Executive McCoy also highlighted the walk-up and mobile COVID-19 testing sites that he launched with the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center last week at locations across downtown Albany and in Watervliet. Testing is currently available at Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center at 920 Lark Drive in Albany, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. The rotating schedule and locations of the three mobile testing sites for the rest of this week can be found below. To date, 267 people have been tested at these sites. All testing is done by appointment only and after being screened for symptoms over the phone by calling the Whitney Young, Jr. Health Center at 518-465-4771. Weekly schedules are posted  here.

• Wednesday, April 22, 12noon–4:00pm
  Capital South Campus, 20 Warren Street, Albany
• Thursday, April 23, 9:00am–12noon
  Bleecker Terrace Apartments, North Manning Boulevard, West Hill, Albany
• Thursday, April 23, 1:30–4:00pm
  Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Avenue, Watervliet
• Friday, April 24, 12noon–4:00pm 
  Capital South Campus, 20 Warren Street, Albany

On the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, County Executive McCoy encouraged residents to get outside and enjoy nature as much as possible, but reminded them to practice social distancing and properly dispose of masks and gloves. The County Executive’s Office has received a number of complaints from constituents about litter along the County Rail Trail and throughout Albany County. Additionally, he took time to during the briefing to thank the Albany County Youth Bureau and the New York National Guard for spearheading the effort to bring toys, puzzles and more to children and stress relief items to parents for families placed under mandatory quarantine.

For those experiencing stress, anxiety or depression while confined to their homes for extended periods of time, the Albany County COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm at (518) 269-6634. Anyone experiencing a psychiatric emergency should still call the Albany County Mobile Crisis Team at (518) 549–6500.

The County Executive continues to offer online videos on coping, crafts and reading, AAU karate, exercise, proper use of personal protective equipment and more.

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 hotline at 888-364-3065.