Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there have been 1,835 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 7 since yesterday. Additionally, there are now 241 people under mandatory quarantine and 1 person under precautionary quarantine. The five-day average for new daily positive cases is now 4.4. So far, 5,447 individuals have completed quarantine, with 1,728 of them having tested positive and recovered. The recovery rate for the county now stands at 94.1%.

Sadly, one county resident passed away overnight – a woman in her 90’s with multiple underlying health issues. That brings the death toll to 120 since the outbreak began. There are currently 10 individuals hospitalized, bringing the hospitalization rate to 0.54%, which is down slightly from 0.6% yesterday. There are still no individuals currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

During the briefing, the County Executive and County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen analyzed some of the latest data on the County COVID-19 Dashboard Tracker and the State Department of Health COVID-19 Tracker ahead of the Phase 3 of reopening the Capital Region economy tomorrow. 

"The food service and accommodation sectors of Albany County’s economy alone, includes an estimated 14,400 jobs, and by tomorrow, over 89% of the county’s jobs will be able to come back online. This is a huge milestone that we should all be proud of, because it required us all to make some level of sacrifice," said County Executive McCoy.

"However, we have seen a small uptick in reports of businesses failing to enforce social distancing and the wearing of masks. I’m asking our business community and the public to do their part to ensure the progress we’ve made and the lives we’ve lost to the virus aren't in vain. Please follow the state guidelines and go get tested if you’re returning to work," he continued.

To date, 37,365 people have gotten tested in Albany County, with a positive rate of 5.4%. One week ago, 31,000 people had been tested with a positive rate of 6.3%. Those in the 20 to 29 age group continue to outpace all others in the total number of positives with 317. They are followed by those in their 50’s with 306 and those in the 60 to 69 age group with 226 total positive cases. 

Social gatherings can now have up to 25 people, instead of the previous 10, in Phase 3. Businesses reopening, including restaurants and bars for indoor dining, along with nail and tanning salons, tattoo and piercing establishments, spas, cosmetology services and waxing, must limit occupancy to 50%, not including employees. Social distancing must always be upheld and physical barriers must be installed if that’s not possible in restaurants. Please use the links for full guidance for food service and personal care services.

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy took time to thank Ron from the Chinese Community Center for the donation of surgical masks that will help our frontline workers during the ongoing pandemic.

The County Executive reminded residents that coinciding with Phase 3, Albany County and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center will be providing a mobile COVID-19 testing site at the Times Union Center for those returning to work on Thursday from 9:30am to 1pm by appointment only. Media will not be allowed admittance due to privacy concerns. To make an appointment, please call (518) 465-4771.

The remainder of this week’s schedule for Albany County’s walk-up community testing is listed below. Please note the updated daily times for each site. The schedule is based on demand and mobile site locations are updated weekly based on that need.

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

• Wednesday – 8:30am – 10:30am 
• Friday – 8:30am – 10:30am 

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of June 15
The full updated schedule can be found here.

• Thursday, June 18, 9:30am – 1pm 
Times Union Center, 51 South Pearl Street, Albany

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 encourages 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.