Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there has been 1,809 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 4 since yesterday. Additionally, there are now 539 people under mandatory quarantine and 5 people under precautionary quarantine. The five-day average for new daily positives is now 6.2. So far, 5,014 individuals have completed quarantine, with 1,526 of them having tested positive and recovered. The recovery rate for Albany County now stands at 84.35%.

Sadly, overnight a county resident passed away due to the virus – a woman in her 70’s with multiple underlying health conditions. That brings the death toll to 116 since the outbreak began. There are currently 12 individuals hospitalized, bringing the hospitalization rate to 0.66%, which is down slightly from 0.77% yesterday. There are currently no individuals in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a decrease of one since a day prior. Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen joined the County Executive for the briefing.

“Now that we’re getting additional guidance ahead of Phase 3, especially for restaurants and bars that operate on a razor thin profit margin and will be reopening their indoor facilities next week, it’s never been more important to follow social distancing guidelines,” said County Executive McCoy. “We want people to once again patronize our local businesses and return to a level of normalcy in their lives, but this is also a new normal and we’re asking everyone to be cautious, wear masks and maintain that six feet of distance between each other.”

The County Executive also announced Albany County has applied for a $900,000 grant from the US Department of Justice for the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program. LEAD focuses on those interacting with law enforcement who are struggling with mental illness or addiction and diverting them away from incarceration and into programs and services that can help with underlying issues. The program was launched in 2016 as a partnership between Albany County, the Center for Law and Justice, the City of Albany, the Albany County Sheriff and District Attorney, and the Albany Police Department. The grant funding would be used to improve the program and expand its reach by adding more case managers, and bringing in a full time Program Director and a Community Engagement Coordinator. 

Recently released guidance from Governor Cuomo’s Office outlined the requirements for restaurants and bars to reopen their indoor dining rooms, which includes a 50% maximum occupancy, excluding members of staff. Similar to outdoor dining that launched last week, tables inside restaurants must be spaced six feet apart, though if that’s not possible indoors, physical barriers must be installed. The summary of food services guidelines can be found here, and the interim guidance can be found here.

Phase 3 of reopening is scheduled to begin June 17 for the Capital Region. Aside from restaurants and food services, Phase 3 industries  will also include personal care services including nail salons, UV and non-UV tanning salons, tattoo and piercing facilities, spas, cosmetology and waxing. For safety and health restrictions, businesses can find the State’s interim guidance here.

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, 1,992 people have been tested at this sites across the Capital Region. 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

• Friday – 8:30am – 10:30am 

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of June 8
The full updated schedule can be found at the Albany County website here.

• Thursday, June 11, 9am – 11am  
Front of the Rensselaer County Administration Building, 1600 7th Ave, Troy

County Executive McCoy continues to highlight the testing site in Albany County at Priority 1 Urgent Care, which 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.