Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that there have now been 2,359 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 10 since yesterday. Additionally, the number of people under mandatory quarantine has dropped down from 486 to 450 today. The five-day average for new daily positives has increased slightly to 7.4 from 7.8 yesterday. There are currently 36 active cases, up from 32. So far, 8,061 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 2,323 of them had tested positive and recovered, an increase of 6. 

Among the new positive cases reported today include one healthcare worker or resident of a congregate setting, five with close contacts to positive cases, one who had reported traveling out of state and three who did not have a clear source of transmission. There were no new hospitalizations overnight and there are still five individuals hospitalized due to the virus, with the hospitalization rate remaining at 0.21%. There are still two patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There were no new COVID-related deaths to report, and the death toll for the county stands at 128 since the outbreak began. 

“It’s been nearly five months since businesses in New York were shutdown to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, and unfortunately some still remain closed. It goes without saying that they’re struggling to rebuild, and that’s especially true for the establishments who were damaged or destroyed by the riots and looting in Albany,” said County Executive McCoy. “The federal Paycheck Protection Program lapsed on Saturday while Congress continues to bicker. They need to leave the politics out of this process, refund this critical assistance and ensure small businesses who need it to survive are actually able to access these loans.”

For the briefing, the County Executive was joined by County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, as well as Healthy Café Catering Owner Betsy Manware to discuss the challenges of running a small business during the pandemic and economic shutdown. Her business reopened in early June after forgoing offering takeout during the months of quarantine. With many offices still utilizing mostly remote work and large gatherings of more than fifty people still prohibited, the catering industry has been impacted more than many others. Betsy Manware also suggested that local businesses should reach out their respective Business Improvement Districts and Chambers of Commerce for assistance with applying for PPP loans.

County Executive McCoy also announced Week 13 of the Albany County Stay Safe Teen Challenge in conjunction with the Albany Police Athletic League and AT&T. This week’s theme is “Heading to College Reimagined.” For those heading to college for the fall semester, you’re encouraged to post  a photo or video to Instagram of how you’re safely getting your dorm room ready or planning meetings with your future roommates. Use the hashtag “#AlbanyCountyStaySafe” by Saturday, August 15 by 11:59pm for your chance to win a $25 gift card to a local business. 

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 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 August 10
The full updated schedule can be found at the Albany County website here.

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

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.