McCoy discusses guidelines of reopening phases
ALBANY, N.Y. » After successfully reaching Phase 1 of a Capital Region reopening, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy outlined what it would take for the county and region to enter Phase 2 by the projected date of June 3.
“My office has received quite a few questions from businesses as we enter Phase 1 and get closer to Phase 2 on what exactly is expected of them, and I want to work with each of them to get their employees back to work with as little confusion and stress as possible. It’s important to note that all businesses, including the essential ones who have continued to operate during the pandemic, will have to complete a reopening safety plan as well as follow industry-specific guidelines,” McCoy said.
In that same breath, McCoy expressed the need for caution with Memorial Day weekend looming and not wanting any setbacks as a result.
“As the weather improves ahead of Memorial Day weekend, I want to remind residents that simply because we’ve entered Phase 1, does not mean large gatherings are now allowed. I urge everyone to continue to social distance, wear masks, practice good hand hygiene and stay home as much as possible. This will allow us to transition into Phase 2 as quickly and safely as possible,” McCoy explained.
As far as county residents are concerned, McCoy also detailed the latest COVID-19 deaths and positive cases.
A man in his 70s died overnight, a resident of Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with multiple underlying health conditions. That increased the county death toll to 73.
There were no new hospitalizations since Wednesday’s briefing. With 25 people hospitalized, the hospitalization rate for Albany County stands at 1.58%, down from 1.73% Wednesday. There is
one person currently in the ICU, unchanged from the day prior.
The county has 1,578 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, an increase of 26. The five-day average of daily new positive cases is 25.4.
Additionally, there are 906 people under mandatory quarantine and five people under precautionary quarantine.
As of Thursday, 3,993 residents have completed
Albany County officials provide a brief on the latest development surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. quarantine, with 1,043 of them having tested positive and recovered.
In addition to detailing the reopening phases, McCoy also noted the NY Forward
Business Reopening Safety Plan Templates for businesses.
McCoy said the templates need to be completed and kept on the premises.
The plan must include basic information, contacts, and how owners will implement state-mandated guidelines to stop the spread of the virus, including the stockpiling of PPE, maintaining six feet of social distance, and ensuring hand hygiene, health screenings, and proper protocols if an employee tests positive for COVID-19.
The Business Reopening Lookup Tool will allow owners to look up whether or not their business is eligible to reopen and also access the industry-specific health and safety criteria one must follow.