McCoy comments on looking ahead to Phase 4
During his daily press briefing, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy commented on summer programs as the Capital Region nears Phase 4 of the reopening process. McCoy also signed off on declaring Juneteenth as a holiday in Albany County.
“America continues to come to terms with the fact that systemic racism, inequality, and inequity are all simply the modern ills of our society that can be traced back to the evils of slavery. Juneteenth is an important recognition of that, along with the countless sacrifices and contributions African Americans have made to this nation, and I’m proud to make it an official county holiday,” McCoy remarked.
“Just as it was a long road Union soldiers march to Galveston, Texas in 1865 to officially end the Civil War and slavery, it was also a long road to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act nearly a century later. And we still have a long road ahead of us to the full equality and equity for our people, no matter the color of their skin,” McCoy noted.
“June 19th, or Juneteenth, has been an important day that African Americans have celebrated for 155 years, Albany County Legislative Black Caucus Chair Bill Clay added. “It’s a day that celebrates our freedom; freedom that the Founding Fathers of this country have celebrated on July 4th for over 240 years.
“Declaring Juneteenth as a holiday in Albany County has been a long time coming, but I com
mend County Executive McCoy and our County for recognizing the significance of this day.”
Detailing the COVID-19 pandemic numbers, McCoy noted as of Thursday morning, there have been 1,841 confirmed positive cases in Albany County.
Additionally, there are 170 people under mandatory quarantine and one person under precautionary quarantine. Thus far, 5,523 people have completed quarantine, with 1,788 of them having tested positive and recovered.
Presently, eight people are hospitalized with the hospitalization rate increasing from 0.38% to 0.43%.
Meanwhile, Saratoga County officials reported 527 total confirmed COVID-19 cases on Thursday with 19 of those being listed as active cases.
Capital District YMCA President and CEO David Brown joined the county executive to discuss the importance of summer programs in the region beginning on June 29.
Coinciding with Phase 4, in lieu of summer camps, Brown noted that he will be opening five of the Capital District YMCA locations for their “Summer Cares.”
Summer Cares will practice social distancing and require staff to wear masks, but will still include plenty of positive activities for the region’s youth, including archery, Lego camp, high rope outdoor adventures, and STEM activities, Brown noted.
Brown also encouraged people to join him on July 1 for a town hall Zoom meeting on Unlearning Systemic Racism. Details on all programs can be found at cdymca.org.