Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County is now at 2,563 to date, an increase of 13 new positive cases since yesterday. Additionally, the number of people under mandatory quarantine has dropped to 420 from 440. The five-day average for new daily positives ticked up to 10.2 from 8.8. There are now 57 active cases, up from 54 a day ago. So far, 9,950 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 2,506 of them had tested positive and recovered.

Among the new positives reported today, five had close contact with positive cases, two are healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings and six did not have a clear source of infection at this time. There were no new hospitalizations overnight and the number of people currently hospitalized due to the virus remained at 13, keeping the hospitalization rate at 0.5%. There are still two patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The county’s death toll remains at 133 since the outbreak began. 

“As we continue to monitor our hospitalization data that we’ve seen rise over the last two weeks, and with casinos, agritourism and other industries reopening, the risks of spreading the virus and the need to be cautious have arguably never been higher. This is especially true going into Labor Day weekend. So I’m asking everyone to do the right thing and wear masks and socially distance yourselves if you are going to any cookouts or parties,” said County Executive McCoy. “We’ve seen spikes in positive cases following major holidays, including the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Easter and Passover. I’m hopeful we can avoid that from happening again so New York can build on our progress and continue the reopening process.”

During the briefing, the County Executive discussed some of the state guidelines for casinos, which will be able to reopen starting September 9. Capacity for gaming facilities will be limited to 25%, including staff and patrons. Face masks or coverings will be required at all times while in the facility, and six feet of social distance must be maintained for those who aren’t from the same group or family. Slot machines and kiosks will need to be arranged so social distancing can be manageable, and food and beverage service will be shut down on the gaming floor. Table games are allowed as long as social distancing is adhered to and physical barriers are installed if six feet is not possible. You can find the detailed guidance here.

As schools increasingly shift back to remote learning due to state budget cuts, County Executive McCoy encouraged residents to volunteer as mentors and tutors for City of Albany students through an initiative spearheaded by Serve Albany and Christ’s Church of Albany. Tomorrow is the last day of their week-long recruitment campaign where they are trying to connect hundreds of volunteers to those in need. Anyone interested would work with one of twelve participating local nonprofits, including the Boys and Girls Club of Albany, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Southend Children’s Cafe, The Wizard’s Wardrobe, Mission Accomplished, RISSE, USCRI, Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar, Tru Heart, Albany Police Athletic League, Girls on the Run, and Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County.

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. 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.

Locations & Dates for the Week of September 7
The full updated schedule can be found at the Albany County website here.

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center - 920 Lark Drive, Albany

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

Watervliet Health Center, 1804 Second Ave, Watervliet (Mobile Site)
• Tuesday – 9am – 11am 

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.

Walgreens is now operating a testing facility at the 41 Holland Avenue location utilizing a self-collection model. Residents will be able to remain in their cars while assisted by pharmacists when necessary. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, individuals who are 18 years or older may be tested once completing an eligibility assessment at the Walgreens website or at their app. Patients can get their results from PWNHealth. 

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.