Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there have now been 2,007 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 10 since yesterday. Additionally, there are now 413 people under mandatory quarantine, up from 387. The five-day average for new daily positive cases has now ticked up to 10.4, up from 8.8 yesterday. There are still currently 43 active cases of COVID-19, unchanged from yesterday. So far, 6,068 individuals have completed quarantine, with 1,964 of them having tested positive and recovered.

There are currently 2 individuals hospitalized and the hospitalization rate is now 0.09%.  There was one new hospitalizations overnight and there are still no individuals 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. The County Executive was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen to discuss more of the health data from the County COVID-19 Dashboard Tracker.

“As New Yorkers, we know that the difficult decisions we’ve made over the last four months have allowed us to flatten the curve, stop the spread of the coronavirus and ultimately save lives. Unfortunately, we’re seeing our numbers tick up, and the Capital Region had the highest percent positive rate of any region in the state at 2% over the weekend,” said County Executive McCoy. “Not only are we seeing new cases in congregate settings, including our nursing homes, we’re also seeing increasing numbers among the 20 to 29 age group. Eight of the 25 new cases reported over the weekend were among adults in their 20’s. We also continue to address the people coming into New York from the 19 states that require quarantines for travelers.”

During the briefing, County Executive McCoy also announced he had worked with United Way of the Greater Capital Region to bring $15,000 from their generous contributors that will go toward the Lyricism 101 Music Mobile Program at the Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area. The initiative will focus on underserved neighborhoods of Albany to provide them with an artistic outlet in music. Participants will build skills in creative writing, music production, studio engineering and language development that can lead to opportunities and careers in the future. The Boys & Girls Club will utilize a mobile van that can travel the Capital Region, along with a fully functioning recording studio and D.J. set up. The entire program will cost $107,825, and they continue to accept donations to make it a reality. 

For the check presentation, the County Executive was joined by United Way of the Greater Capital Region President & CEO Peter Gannon, Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area President & CEO Justin Reuter, Albany County Legislator Wanda Willingham Lyricism 101 Program Coordinator David Gordon, Jr. and participants of the program (see photo attached).

The County Executive also highlighted the most recent sales tax revenues for the first and second quarters. Between January and June of 2019, Albany County brought in $139.1 million in sales tax revenue. Over that same time period this year, that number has dropped by roughly 11.17%, or $15.5 million, to $123.6 million.

The County Executive reminds local nonprofit organizations that a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for funding for summer youth programs has been issued. In order to help address the gun violence witnessed in the City of Albany, Albany County is looking to fund organizations with experience providing healthy, safe and rewarding experiences during the summer months in the realms of sports, arts, music and more. Applications need to be submitted by close of business today. 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. Vendors can also register to apply here.

Below is 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 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 

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of July 13
The full updated schedule can be found at the Albany County website here.

• Tuesday, July 14, 9am – 11am 
Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet

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 (BIDs), 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.

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. 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.