ALBANY COUNTY — Both the governor and the Albany County executive today praised their constituents for following protocols to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while warning about spikes happening in the sunbelt.

“New York’s COVID-19 numbers are stable and continue to trend in the right direction, but amid an alarming spike in cases throughout the nation and reports of lack of compliance here at home, it’s vitally important that residents continue practicing the behaviors that have successfully bent the curve,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. 

Of the 73,558 tests conducted in New York State yesterday, 786, or 1.06 percent, were positive.

“Everything’s going in the right direction,” said Albany County Daniel McCoy at his Friday morning briefing.

He also said, “Numbers speak” as he noted that the Capital Region was tied with the Southern Tier, for second lowest in percentage of positive tests, at 0.7 percent; the very lowest is the North County at 0.1 percent.

“Remember how fast our numbers were popping up?” he asked, referencing Albany County’s spike in mid-April. “To be tied for the second lowest in the state says a lot.”

He credited not just the governor for leadership but all the counties and municipalities working together. “It’s all one. It takes a partnership,” he said, contrasting New York’s approach to that of Florida and Texas.

McCoy had sharp criticism for some big-box stores like Walmart, which have been open throughout the last 18 weeks as “mom-and-pop” businesses were forced to close

Walmart, he said, is still noncompliant and plans to have “health ambassadors” to educate customers.

“Where were they 18 weeks ago? Making profits,” said McCoy.

Finally, he credited residents with washing hands, keeping their distance, and following protocols.

“You’re the one that made it happen,” said McCoy.

Currently, Albany County has 1,973 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 298 residents under quarantine.

The five-day average for new daily positive cases is now 5.8, down from 6.6 yesterday. There are currently 49 active cases of COVID-19.

So far, 5,968 county residents have completed quarantine, with 1,924 of them having tested positive and recovered.

Currently, three county residents are hospitalized and the county’s hospitalization is now 0.15 percent. There have been no new deaths reported since June 24, keeping the COVID-19 death toll for Albany County at 121.