Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that as of this morning, there have now been 2,079 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 13 since yesterday. Additionally, there are now 612 people under mandatory quarantine, up from 580. The five-day average for new daily positive cases has decreased to 16.4 from 16.8 yesterday. There are currently 78 active cases, down from 84 yesterday. So far, 6,310 individuals have completed quarantine, with 2,001 of them having tested positive and recovered.

Four of today’s new positive cases were healthcare workers and two were people who traveled from out of state. There are still currently 2 individuals hospitalized and the hospitalization rate remains at 0.09%.  There was one new hospitalization overnight and there are still no individuals in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There was one county resident who passed away overnight – a man in his 70’s with multiple underlying health conditions. This is the first COVID-related death reported since June 24, bringing the county’s total to 122 since the outbreak began. 

The County Executive was joined by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Executive Director Stephen Acquario to discuss the ongoing budget challenges faced by not only New York, but also counties across the state,

“I’m deeply saddened that our 22-day streak of no COVID-related deaths has finally come to an end. My heart breaks for the family and loved ones of the individual we lost overnight, and every other family out there who has lost someone. Every death is a tragedy, which is why we’re taking the recent spike in new positive cases so seriously, and doing everything we can to prevent the spread and keep our hospitals and nursing homes from being overwhelmed,” said County Executive. 

“As the President of County Executives of America and the County Executive Association of NYSAC, I’ve heard from my counterparts about the difficult decisions they’re considering to address their budget crises, including closing parks, steep cuts to programs and even layoffs. No one wants to this, but at this point, Congress and the President are forcing our hands. They need to do what’s right and fair and prioritize smaller counties that have been on the frontlines of the pandemic and have been left behind in the last four stimulus packages.” he continued.

Between January and June of 2019 and that same period this year, Albany County has lost roughly $15.5 million in sales tax revenues alone due to COVID-19 and the economic shutdown. It’s estimated that that number could grow to $60 million, without factoring in lost hotel occupancy taxes and mid-year state aid cuts. New York counties collectively could be facing a $2 billion shortfall. That number could balloon depending on state reimbursement cuts as New York State is now estimating a $13 billion budget deficit. In four years, the state’s deficit could become an enormous $60 billion. 

There have now been 15 positive cases in total that have been traced back to the large backyard part on the Fourth of July on Hudson Avenue in Albany. County Executive McCoy continues to urge those who attended the party to call the Albany County Department of Health at (518) 447-4640 to get expedited testing.

The County Executive continues to offer two gallons of hand sanitizer to businesses, nonprofits, churches and others 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.