Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there are 1,754 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 7 in the last 24 hours. Additionally, there are now 725 people under mandatory quarantine and 6 people under precautionary quarantine. The five-day average for new daily positives is now down to 13.6. So far, 4,688 individuals have completed quarantine, with 1,382 of them having tested positive and recovered. That brings the county’s recovery rate to 78.79%. 

There have been no new deaths overnight since Sunday, keeping the county’s death toll at 112. There was only one new hospitalization since yesterday, and there are currently 18 individuals hospitalized, down from 21. That brings the hospitalization rate down to 1.02% from 1.2% yesterday. There is still currently one person in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), unchanged since yesterday’s briefing. County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen joined the County Executive for the briefing.

Center for Economic Growth President and CEO Andrew Kennedy also joined the County Executive for the daily briefing to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated a robust economy during these unprecedented times. The organization has also been indispensable in supporting businesses adapt to ensure the safety of workers and customers, along with those who sought to become essential businesses.

“Today, the first day of Phase 2 of reopening, is an important moment for us as a county and as a region. In Albany County alone, there are literally tens of thousands of jobs that are able to start back up in nonprofits, retail, technology, property management, barbershops and so much more that hardworking families rely on to put food on the table. We’re now at a crossroads – will we stay the course and continue to keep infections under control, or become careless and take a step back?” said County Executive McCoy.

“Sadly, before the pandemic hit, the county and regional economies were in strong positions and expanding. That’s why I’m asking for the public and businesses to help to ensure we continue moving forward by being responsible with your actions, because as we discussed today, simply because we’re reopening, doesn’t mean businesses aren’t still struggling. And putting our economy on pause again would be absolutely devastating,” he continued.

Mr. Kennedy discussed how the eight county Capital Region labor force was in the midst of a seven-month expansion before the pandemic hit and the economic shutdown followed. In mid-March, the region’s unemployment insurance beneficiaries had declined for more than fourteen months in a row. In response, the Center for Economic Growth has been working with more than sixty manufacturers to help them readjust their business models to serve as essential businesses, including PVA in Cohoes as they sought to manufacture emergency ventilators. The organization has assisted businesses source personal protective equipment (PPE), and they even helped others in the process of actually manufacturing their own PPE, including Center of Gravity who produced critical face shields for healthcare workers. 

County Executive McCoy announced that first responders and those who attended the rallies and protests over the last several days and believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 can get a free walk-up test tomorrow, June 4 at the Capital South Campus, 20 Warren Street, in Albany. Testing is available between 1:30pm and 4pm, and those interested are asked to bring an ID and insurance (if you have it). If you don’t have insurance, it is free, and no appointment is needed.

The remainder of this week’s schedule for Albany County’s walk-up mobile testing sites is below. Please note that testing is now available for essential workers and those returning to work, as well as the updated timeframes for each site. To date, 1,538 people have gotten tested at these 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

• Thursday – 8:30am – 11:30am  
• Friday – 8:30am – 11:30am 

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of June 1
The full updated schedule can be found at the Albany County website here.

• Thursday, June 4, 9am – 11am  
Whitney Young Troy Health Center, 849 2nd Ave, Lansingburgh

• Friday, June 5, 9am – 11am  
Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet

The New York State Department of Health is offering free antibody testing to food delivery and restaurant workers at the University at Albany (SUNY) SEFCU Arena on campus today and tomorrow. No appointment is needed, people can just walk in. Testing is available from 10am to 5:30pm, and those interested should use the Western Avenue entrance to the campus.

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 on the Albany County official website at the following link: COVID-19 Resources & Videos Link