Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there have been 1,841 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of four since yesterday. Additionally, there are now 170 people under mandatory quarantine and 1 person under precautionary quarantine. The five-day average for new daily positive cases is now 3. So far, 5,523 individuals have completed quarantine, with 1,788 of them having tested positive and recovered. The recovery rate for the county now stands at 97.1%.

There were no new deaths overnight, keeping the county’s total at 120 since the outbreak began. There are currently 8 individuals hospitalized, up from 7 yesterday. The hospitalization rate is now 0.43%, which is up slightly from 0.38% yesterday. There are still no individuals currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Capital District YMCA President and CEO David Brown joined the County Executive for the briefing to discuss summer programs resuming in the region beginning on June 29 and importance of this for families returning to work and their children.

“America continues to come to terms with the fact that systemic racism, inequality and inequity are all simply the modern ills of our society that can be traced back to the evils of slavery. Juneteenth is an important recognition of that, along with the countless sacrifices and contributions African Americans have made to this nation, and I’m proud to make it an official county holiday,” said County Executive McCoy.

“Just as it was a long road Union soldiers march to Galveston, Texas in 1865 to officially end the Civil War and slavery, it was also a long road to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act nearly a century later. And we still have a long road ahead of us to the full equality and equity for our people, no matter the color of their skin,” he continued.

“June 19th, or Juneteenth, has been an important day that African Americans have celebrated for 155 years. It’s a day that celebrates our freedom; freedom that the Founding Fathers of this country have celebrated on July 4th for over 240 years. Declaring Juneteenth as a holiday in Albany County has been a long time coming, but I commend County Executive McCoy and our County for recognizing the significance of this day,” said Albany County Legislative Black Caucus Chair Bill Clay.

County Executive McCoy signs his executive order making Juneteenth an official County holiday

Coinciding with Phase 4, Mr. Brown noted that he will be opening five of the Capital District YMCA locations for their “Summer Cares,” as opposed to summer camps. Summer Cares will reinforce social distancing and require staff to wear masks, but will still include plenty of positive activities for the region’s youth, including archery, Lego camp, high rope outdoor adventures, STEM activities and more. Parents who are unable to pay for the programming will not be turned away and scholarships are available to ensure as many kids have access as possible.

Mr. Brown also announced that the Capital District YMCA’s Guilderland location is partnering with the South End Children’s Café for a food drive tonight from 6pm to 7:30pm at their building at 250 Winding Brook Road. It’s a drop off food drive, so volunteers will take the donations from your truck. Mr. Brown also encouraged people to join him on July 1 for a town hall Zoom meeting on Unlearning Systemic Racism. Details on all programs may be found at cdymca.org.

Businesses that have already submitted an affirmation statement for health and safety protocols on the New York Forward website can come to the Times Union Center today and Friday between 9:30am and 4pm and pick up two gallons each of the New York State hand sanitizer. A representative needs to go to the back of the arena via Market Street and take a right onto the ramp leading to the back of the TU Center.

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

• Friday: 8:30–10:30am 

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.