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Albany County officials spoke about the Capital Region economy entering Phase 2.
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Albany County officials spoke about the Capital Region economy entering Phase 2.
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ALBANY, N.Y. – At his daily press conference, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy discussed what it means for the Capital Region to enter Phase 2 on Wednesday.

“Today, the first day of Phase 2 of reopening, is an important moment for us as a county and as a region,” McCoy commented. “In Albany County alone, there are literally tens of thousands of jobs that are able to start back up in nonprofits, retail, technology, property management, barbershops and so much more that hardworking families rely on to put food on the table.

“We’re now at a crossroads – will we stay the course and continue to keep infections under control, or become careless and take a step back?”

“Sadly, before the pandemic hit, the county and regional economies were in strong positions and expanding. That’s why I’m asking for the public and businesses to help to ensure we continue moving forward by being responsible with your actions, because as we discussed today, simply because we’re reopening, doesn’t mean businesses aren’t still struggling. And putting our economy on pause again would be absolutely devastating,” McCoy added.

Joining McCoy to speak to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy was Center for Economic Growth President and CEO Andrew Kennedy.

“We’ve worked with more than 60 manufacturers to help them pivot or address some of the issues that require them to reopen as essential businesses from anywhere to finding the adequate PPE that they need to the various restart plans that they need,” Kennedy noted.

“Specific companies that we’ve worked with here in the county include PVA up in Cohoes to get them get the expedited FDA approval for the emergency ventilator. We’ve worked with the Center of Gravity and Benet Labs to help produce face shields for our first responders,” Kennedy added.

On the testing front McCoy noted that as of Wednesday morning there have been 1,754 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are 725 people under mandatory quarantine and six people under precautionary quarantine. Thus far, 4,688 people have completed quarantine, with 1,382 of them having tested positive and recovered.

There has been one new hospitalization since Tuesday. Plus, there are 18 people hospitalized and one person in ICU.

Given the recent rallies and protests, McCoy announced that those who attended, along with first resopnders, who believe they might have been exposed to COVID-19 can get a free walk-up test Thursday June 4 at the Capital South Campus, 20 Warren Street, in Albany.

Testing is available between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., and those interested are asked to bring an ID and insurance (if you have it). If you don’t have insurance, it is free, and no appointment is needed.

The New York State Department of Health is offering free antibody testing to food delivery and restaurant workers at the University at Albany (SUNY) SEFCU Arena on campus. The testing began Wednesday and continues Thursday. No appointment is needed, people can walk in. Testing is available from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and those interested are advised to use the Western Avenue entrance to the campus.