Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there have now been 1,953 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 5 since yesterday. Additionally, there are now 234 people under mandatory quarantine. The five-day average for new daily positive cases is now 7.6, down from 9.4 yesterday. There are currently 52 active cases of COVID-19. So far, 5,869 individuals have completed quarantine, with 1,901 of them having tested positive and recovered.  

There are currently three individuals hospitalized and the hospitalization is at 0.15%, up from 0.1% yesterday. There was one new hospitalization overnight and there is now one person in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There have been no new deaths reported since June 24, keeping the death toll for Albany County at 121 since the outbreak began. County Executive McCoy was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen to discuss some of the latest data from the County COVID-19 Dashboard Tracker. 

“As we’ve said before, simply because our health data is improving overall, doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods yet, and this is made clear by the recent outbreaks at two local restaurants, the positive case at Lincoln Park pool yesterday and the Governor adding 3 more states to list of those requiring quarantines for travelers. It’s still too soon to know what effect Fourth of July celebrations will have, but it’s critical that we continue to wear masks and socially distance ourselves,” said County Executive McCoy. 

“We continue to fight on two fronts – controlling the spread of the coronavirus, alongside addressing gun violence in our community. I’m proud to announce that Albany County is looking to fund local organizations to provide summer youth programming to ensure teens and young adults under 21 have healthy and safe ways to have fun this summer. I also look forward to working with the County Legislative Black Caucus, the City of Albany and the community to identify other programs that will improve safety and opportunities in our underserved neighborhoods,” he continued. 

The Request for Quotes (RFQ) for the summer youth programs was issued Friday, and applications for county funding will need to be submitted by close of business on Monday, July 13. All questions and submissions should be directed at the Albany County Division of Purchasing at (518)447-7140 or by going to their county website here.

To date, 63 employees from Delmonico’s on Central Avenue have been tested for the Coronavirus, five came back positive and two were Albany County residents. That does not include the three individuals who were originally were identified as having been infected, one of which was an Albany County resident. At Philly Bar and Grill on Watervliet Shaker Road, 35 employees were tested, four came back positive and three were Albany County residents. That's on top of the three original people who had tested positive and were announced, two of which were Albany County residents.

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy took time to thank Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler and the Albany County Legislature for their partnership in making the new Summer Fun in Cohoes program a success. Thirty kids have already been signed up for each of the three weeks for socially distanced yard games and activities, including Baggo, KanJam, Badminton, karate lessons and more. The County Executive is also looking for ways to expand the program to serve even more children and bring it to other localities (see photos attached).

The County Executive continues to offer two gallons of hand sanitizer to businesses who have filed their health and safety plan affirmation statements, and invites local Business Improvement Districts, Chambers of Commerce and others to help distribute to their members. Anyone interested who has not already received any hand sanitizer can go to the back of the Times Union Center by taking Market Street, follow the ramp to the right and call (518) 487-2023 when you arrive. This will run each week, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 6pm.

Below is the remainder of this week’s schedule for Albany County’s walk-up COVID-19 mobile testing sites, a collaboration with the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center. The schedule is based on demand and mobile site locations are updated weekly based on that need.  Testing is for those experiencing symptoms, essential workers and those returning to work 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

• Wednesday – 8:30am – 10:30am
• Friday – 8:30am – 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 during the ongoing pandemic and gun violence in the City of Albany, the Albany County Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week, now from 8am to 5pm 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.