Albany County confirms first death in three weeks
ALBANY, N.Y. » Albany County saw its first death attributed to COVID-19 in three weeks. Albany County Executive Dan McCoy confirmed the death during his Friday morning press conference.
A man in his 70s with underlying health conditions marked the first COVID-19 linked death in the county since June 24. Total confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the county are now at 122.
“I’m deeply saddened that our 22- day streak of no COVID-related deaths has finally come to an end. My heart breaks for the family and loved ones of the individual we lost overnight, and every other family out there who has lost someone,” McCoy said.
“Every death is a tragedy, which is why we’re taking the recent spike in new positive cases so seriously, and doing everything we can to prevent the spread and keep our hospitals and nursing homes from being overwhelmed,” McCoy added.
McCoy also confirmed 13 new positive COVID-19 cases. Four of those cases stem from the large Fourth of July party along backyards on Hudson Avenue in Albany. The total positive cases traced back to that gathering of more than 200 people, now stands at 15.
In addition, encompassed within the 13 new cases are four healthcare workers and two travelers, according to the County Executive.
As of Friday morning, there have been 2,079 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Albany County. Additionally, there are 612 people under mandatory quarantine, up from 580.
The five- day average for new daily positive cases has decreased to 16.4 from 16.8 Thursday. Currently, there are 78 active cases, down
from 84 Thursday. Thus far, 6,310 people have completed quarantine, with 2,001 of them having tested positive and recovered.
Presently, two people remain hospitalized and the hospitalization rate remains at 0.09%. There was one new hospitalization overnight and there are still no people in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
New York State Association of Counties ( NYSAC) Executive Director Stephen Acquario was also on-hand at the press conference to discuss the ongoing budget challenges faced by not only New York but also counties across the state.
“The State of New York is estimating a $13 billion budget deficit. The State of New York has projected over four years that that budget deficit grows to $60 billion dollars,” Acquario said.
“Counties also face significant revenue losses, potentially as high as $2 billion and when state reimbursement cuts are added that could grow to $3.5 billion in 2020. Over two years we’re not talking about $5 billion in economic injury to the counties across this state,” Acquario added on the losses which don’t even factor in lost hotel occupancy taxes and mid-year state aid cuts.
McCoy echoed his concern on the economic impact caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“As the President of County Executives of America and the County Executive Association of NYSAC, I’ve heard from my counterparts about the difficult decisions they’re considering to address their budget crises, including closing parks, steep cuts to programs and even layoffs,” McCoy remarked on the economic challenges.
“No one wants to this, but at this point, Congress and the President are forcing our hands. They need to do what’s right and fair and prioritize smaller counties that have been on the frontlines of the pandemic and have been left behind in the last four stimulus packages,” McCoy added on the need for the federal government to act and provide state and local governments with money.
Between January and June of 2019 and that same period this year, Albany County has lost roughly $15.5 million in sales tax revenues alone due to COVID-19.