Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that there have now been 2,458 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County to date, an increase of four since yesterday. Additionally, the number of people under mandatory quarantine has dropped to 528 from 586. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 4.4 from 5.4 yesterday. There are now 25 active cases, down from 28 a day ago. So far, 9,136 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 2,433 of them had tested positive and recovered, an increase of seven.

Of the new positive cases reported today, two had reported travelling out-of-state and two have an unclear source of infection. 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.

County Executive McCoy also unveiled the fifteenth week of the #AlbanyCountyStaySafe Teen Challenge. This week’s theme is “Coping with Everything during COVID-19.” Dealing with the stress and emotional toll of the pandemic has been tough on everyone. Teens are encouraged to show how they’ve coped or even helped their friends cope through a photo or video posted in Instagram. Post them by Saturday, August 29 at 11:59pm for a chance to win a $25 gift card to a local business (see attached).

The County Executive announced on Friday that all gyms and fitness centers within the County of Albany may open today, providing that the facilities are in full compliance with the guidelines set forth by New York State. The County of Albany will 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 Department of Health Guidelines for Gyms/Fitness Centers.  In addition, a written safety plan is required. Guidance and a template for the safety plan may be found on the Albany County website at the following link: 

https://www.albanycounty.com/Home/Components/News/News/467/59

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 or owner with a date and time for the inspection.

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. 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 24
The full updated schedule can be found at the Albany County website here.

• Tuesday, August 25, 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, 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.