Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced today with County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen that as of this morning, there are now 1,665 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County, an increase of 21 in the last 24 hours. Additionally, there are now 615 people under mandatory quarantine – a steep drop of 233 since yesterday – and 7 people under precautionary quarantine. The five-day average for new daily positives is now eight. To date, 4,455 individuals have completed quarantine, with 1,319 of them having tested positive and recovered. That brings the county’s recovery rate up to 79.2%. 

While there have been no new deaths reported since Thursday morning’s briefing, there are sadly 11 deaths that occurred at a private nursing home that were previously unreported to the County Department of Health. The deaths however were already reported to the State and do not affect the Capital Region’s metrics for Phase 2 of reopening the economy. These county residents passed away between April 29 and May 9. There were 9 women and 2 men; 2 in their 70’s, 5 in their 80’s and 4 in their 90’s. This brings the county’s death toll to 87.

With 29 people currently hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at 1.74%, up from 1.64% yesterday. There are currently three people in Intensive Care Units (ICU), unchanged from yesterday’s briefing. 

In honor of Older Americans Month during the month of May, Albany County Department for Aging Commissioner Deb Riitano joined the County Executive for the daily briefing to discuss how the important county programs and services have adapted to keep seniors safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve long discussed that the more than 65,000 older residents that call Albany County home are the most vulnerable to this virus and we continue to work around the clock to ensure they’re safe and comfortable while they’re staying home. Needless to say, they’re scared and they deserve to know they’re not alone in this,” said County Executive McCoy.

“Sadly, without our congregate meal sites, they’re unable to socialize and we’re unable to check in on them, which makes our home delivered meal program that much more important. I’m proud to say we’ve already delivered 75,901 since this started. As the weather gets warmer, I encourage older residents to stay hydrated and stay cool at home. If you have an older neighbor, please take a moment to check on them,” he continued.

Commissioner Riitano highlighted some of the partners in the community that have made home delivered and pick up meals possible, including the County Department for Social Services, NY Connects, Colonie Senior Services, Life Path, Ravena Senior Projects, Peter Young Industries, Green Island Senior Center, and Jewish Family Services. These groups have also done grocery shopping and delivered prescription medications for seniors. She also discussed the New York State Office for the Aging’s Senior of the Year Celebration that unfortunately had to be postponed, but congratulated Albany County’s two honorees – educator Joan Lipscomb and Party Warehouse owner Jerry Sykes. Seniors who need assistance or someone to talk to should call (518) 447-7198.

The County Executive and Commissioner Whalen also talked about antibody testing available for grocery store workers today through Saturday at SEFCU Arena. It’s free and walk-in testing is available from 10am to 5:30pm.

County Executive McCoy also took time to thank selfless local residents who raised money for gift cards for the staff at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and brought signs to encourage the residents there. Each of them are people who are providers or users of long term care services who wanted to show their support.

The remainder of this week’s schedule for Albany County’s walk-up mobile testing sites is below and is posted on the county website. To date, 1,456 people have gotten tested at the Capital Region sites. The schedule is based on demand and mobile site locations are updated weekly based on that need. All testing is by appointment only, after being screened for symptoms over the phone. To be screened, please call (518) 465-4771. 

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

• Friday: 9:00am – 12noon

Rotating Locations & Dates for the Week of May 26

Each week the mobile sites will rotate morning & afternoon testing. The full updated schedule can be found here.

• Friday, May 29
  • 1:30 – 4:00pm: Whitney Young Troy Health Center, 849 2nd Ave, Lansingburgh

County Executive McCoy continues to highlight the latest testing site in Albany County at Priority 1 Urgent Care that is now also providing antibody testing, located in Hamilton Square at 2080 Western Avenue in Guilderland. The partnership was made possible by Albany County supplying the facility with critical personal protective equipment for the staff and supplemental test kits. 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 encouraged 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 while confined to their homes for extended periods of time, the Albany County COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm 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.

The County Executive continues to offer online videos on coping, crafts and reading, AAU karate, exercise, proper use of personal protective equipment and more.