Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that there have now been 2,451 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of 1 since yesterday. Additionally, the number of people under mandatory quarantine has jumped up to 644 from 626. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 5.8 from 7 yesterday. There are now 29 active cases. So far, 8,926 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 2,422 of them had tested positive and recovered.

The new positive case reported today includes one healthcare worker or resident of a private congregate setting. The number of people hospitalized remains at seven, keeping the hospitalization rate at 0.28%. There are still no patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There were no new deaths to report, and the county’s death toll stands at 131 since the outbreak began.

The County Executive announces that all gyms/fitness centers within the County of Albany may open August 24, 2020, providing that the gym/fitness center is in full compliance with the guidelines set forth by New York State.

The County of Albany shall set up an appointment with any gym/fitness center as soon as the business has submitted a fully completed application including verification from an HVAC professional that their system meets the New York State requirements set forth by NYS DOH Guidelines for Gyms/Fitness Centers.  In addition, a written safety plan is also required. Guidance and a template for the safety plan may be found here.

Upon receipt of an application and review of the same, together with the required business affirmation and safety plan, an inspector shall contact the gym/fitness manager/owner with a date and time for the inspection.

Below is next 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

• Monday: 8:30–10:30am
• Wednesday: 8:30–10:30am
• Friday: 8:30–10:30am

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of August 24

The full updated schedule can be found here.

• Tuesday, August 25, 9:00-11:00am
  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, 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.