Albany County confirms 13 new cases
ALBANY, N.Y. » An additional five cases stemming from a large Fourth of July party are among those confirmed by Albany County Executive Dan McCoy Thursday.
The five cases are on top of the six positive cases confirmed Wednesday, bringing the total thus far from the reportedly more than 200 people gathered to 11.
“Our Department of Health and contact tracers are working around the clock to track down those who attended the massive backyard party on Hudson Avenue in Albany on the Fourth of July, and we’ve now identified 11 positive cases so far,” McCoy remarked on the latest positive cases.
“Their important work will ensure that the mistakes and recklessness of the relative few do not spiral out of control and impact the community,” McCoy continued.
McCoy also urged those at the party to make sure they get themselves tested for COVID-19.
“If you were at that party, please do the right thing and self-isolate, wear a mask and get tested. While our infections are rising, we haven’t had to report a new death in over two weeks now and there were no new hospitalizations since yesterday. There is still time to turn this around,” McCoy added.
Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen echoed the county executive’s sentiments on the need to get tested.
“We would like to encourage anyone who was at that party to be tested and contact the Albany County Department of Health and we can assist with facilitating testing. Please contact us at 518-447-4640 and we will be able to assist you to be able to get a quick test,” Whalen commented.
Whalen added why it’s vital to identify cases as quickly as possible.
“It’s very important for control of COVID for us to be able to identify and appropriately isolate individuals that test positive as quickly as possible,” Whalen noted.
“Especially because we know in the younger age group that many people are asymptomatic. Knowing that you’re positive really helps empower you to make better decisions,” Whalen added.
In total, McCoy confirmed 13 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, four of whom are healthcare workers. Two of the healthcare workers are staff at the Shaker Place nursing home.
Overall, Albany County has seen 2,066 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Additionally, there are 580 people under mandatory quarantine, up from 544. The five-day average for new daily positive cases has increased to 16.8 from 16 Wednesday. Currently there are 84 active cases, up from 77 Wednesday.
Thus far, 6,256 people have completed quarantine, with 1,982 of them having tested positive and recovered.
Presently, two people remain hospitalized and the hospitalization rate stands at 0.09%. There were no new hospitalizations overnight and there are still no people in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
There have been no new deaths reported since June 24, keeping the death toll for Albany County at 121 since the numbers on COVID-19 began being tracked back in March.
Those who were at the party should call the Albany County Department of Health at (518) 447-4640 to get expedited testing.