Albany County coronavirus update, March 8

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Albany County Executive Dan McCoy announced Monday that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Albany County has now climbed to 20,973 to date, an increase of 56 new positive cases since Sunday. The five-day average for new daily positives has decreased to 64.6 from 65.2.

The County Executive reported that among the new cases of Coronavirus, 21 had close contact with positive cases, 34 did not have clear sources of infection at this time, and one is a healthcare worker or resident of a congregate setting.

Health officials say there are now 540 active cases in the county, down from 557 Sunday. The number of people under mandatory quarantine decreased to 1,453 from 1,484. So far, 65,839 people have completed quarantine. Of those who completed quarantine, 20,433 of them had tested positive and recovered. That is an increase of 68 recoveries since Sunday.

There were two new hospitalizations reported overnight, and there are now 28 county residents hospitalized from the virus – a net decrease of seven. There are currently three patients in ICU’s, unchanged from Sunday. There was one new COVID-related death reported overnight- a man in his 90’s. The death toll for Albany County now stands at 361 since the outbreak began.

For the briefing, County Executive McCoy was joined by County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen and New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Executive Director Stephen Acquario to discuss the federal COVID relief package passed by the U.S. Senate over the weekend.

“We cannot have an adequate and full economic recovery without direct aid to counties and localities that have been on the frontlines of the pandemic response. Senate Majority Leader Schumer understood that and he fought for this historic funding included in the relief package passed on Saturday. Albany County will be receiving over $55.1 million in aid, while the combined total for our cities, towns and villages will come out to be more than $170 million, and I was proud to advocate for it over the last year. I urge the House to take up this bill and get it passed quickly so it can be signed by President Biden and provide families and businesses with the lifeline they desperately need,” said County Executive McCoy.

“This is also an important day because it is International Women’s Day. It’s a time to reflect on the numerous contributions women have made to society, and that we still have work to do in terms of getting to full equality and equity. I want to recognize all of our female department heads in Albany County who carry out some of the most important programs and services that we provide. Those departments include Children, Youth and Families; Health; Public Works; Social Services; Aging; Immigration Assistance; Crime Victim and Sexual Violence; Human Resources; Law; Alternate Public Defender and others,” he continued.