Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there are now 1,640 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County, an increase of 6 over the last 24 hours and 15 since Saturday. Additionally, there are now 900 people under mandatory quarantine and 5 people under precautionary quarantine. To date, 4,261 individuals have completed quarantine, with 1,159 of them having tested positive and recovered. That brings the county’s recovery rate to 70.6%

There have been no new deaths reported since Thursday morning’s briefing, with the county’s current death toll remaining at 76. With 28 people currently hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at 1.7%, down slightly from 1.72% yesterday. There is currently two people in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), up one since Saturday’s briefing. 

Major General Ray Shields, the 54th Adjutant General for the State of New York and Commander of the New York Army National Guard, and Command Sergeant Major John Willsey, who oversees the Yellow Ribbon program, joined the County Executive for the briefing on Memorial Day. They discussed the importance of honoring the ultimate sacrifice of those who have served in the armed forces and how the National Guard continues to serve New York during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we cannot enjoy memorials, parades or be with all of our loved ones this Memorial Day, I ask each of you to take a moment to remember and honor those who paid the ultimate price. Remember the valor and sacrifice they made so that others may live. As President Lincoln stated in 1863, ‘The living can only honor the fallen by rededicating ourselves to the cause that they so willingly gave a last full measure of devotion,’” said County Executive McCoy.

“As we honor our fallen heroes, we should also remember those that have lost their lives to this horrific disease. Let’s not act irresponsibly as we remember and celebrate this weekend. Let this be our own sacrifice that we can be proud of this year, so that we may continue to build on the progress we’ve made these past few weeks and reopen our economy safely and fully,” he continued.

County Executive McCoy also announced the start of the second week of the #AlbanyCountyStaySafe teen Instagram challenge. The eight-week contest launched last week encourages teens between the ages of 13 and 18 to demonstrate how their following guidelines on social distancing and mask wearing while also staying productive. This week’s challenge requires a photo or video showing your appreciation for your teachers during a period of distance learning. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to an Albany County business. Entries need to be posted to Instagram with the hashtag #AlbanyCountyStaySafe by Saturday at 11:59pm.

Next week’s schedule for Albany County’s walk-up mobile testing sites is below and is posted on the county website. To date, 1,377 people have gotten tested at the Albany County sites. The schedule is based on demand and mobile site locations are updated weekly based on that need. All testing is by appointment only, after being screened for symptoms over the phone. To be screened, please call (518) 465-4771. 

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center - 920 Lark Drive, Albany

• Tuesday: 9:00am – 12noon
• Wednesday: 1:30 – 4:00pm
• Thursday: 1:30 – 4:00pm
• Friday: 9:00am – 12noon

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of May 26
Each week the mobile sites will rotate morning & afternoon testing. The full updated schedule can be found here.

• Tuesday, May 26
  • 9:00am – 12noon: Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet
  • 1:30 – 4:00pm: Front of the Rensselaer County Administration Building, 1600 7th Ave, Troy
• Wednesday, May 27
  • 1:30 – 4:00pm: Capital South Campus, 20 Warren St, Albany
• Friday, May 29
  • 9:00am – 12noon: Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet
  • 1:30 – 4:00pm: Whitney Young Troy Health Center, 849 2nd Ave, Lansingburgh

County Executive McCoy continues to highlight the latest testing site in Albany County at Priority 1 Urgent Care that is now also providing antibody testing, located in Hamilton Square at 2080 Western Avenue in Guilderland. The partnership was made possible by Albany County supplying the facility with critical personal protective equipment for the staff and supplemental test kits. Testing will be reimbursed by an individual’s health insurance, and will be done by appointments only after patients come in to be screened for expanded CDC symptoms. Priority 1 is also now doing antibody testing. To schedule an appointment, you can call (518) 867-8040.

County Executive McCoy also encouraged those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to register for the drive-thru community testing site at Rite Aid, 1863 Central Avenue in Colonie. Testing is free for those who are eligible based on CDC guidelines and are at least 18 years old. It’s 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.

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 24-hour sexual assault hotline number is (518) 447-7716.

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