Although Albany County has come close to being named a yellow zone, it has so far avoided that designation — and the restrictions that would come with it.

The fifth case, at Guilderland High School, was announced Wednesday in an email from Superintendent Marie Wiles. That last case forced the high school to all-remote learning, beginning on Thursday, Nov. 19, and lasting until Thanksgiving break, which starts on Tuesday, Nov. 24.

ALBANY COUNTY — As the state continues its strategy of tamping down micro-clusters of COVID-19, Albany County, while experiencing a surge, has remained under the threshold that would bring new restrictions.

During the pandemic, many Lynnwood Elementary students had been through “levels of trauma,” said their art teacher, Krista Gillis. She came up with a project that would show them, on their return to school, “They belong here and we love them.”

Despite mandatory delays due to the COVID-19 outbreak, tenants have moved into the first of 11 apartment buildings at the Preserve of West Creek.

The Albany County website now has a map showing COVID-19 testing sites. The map lets users get directions to different locations, tells them wait times for results, and whether walk-ins are accepted.

School nurses can set up appointments for students with COVID-19 symptoms so they can get tested for the disease.

“I had my life flashing before my eyes,” said Lisa Chrysler of the moment before her son saved her. “When he gave me the Heimlich, I bent over and, within 30 seconds, I felt it go away … He stayed so calm and has been so humble ever since.”

A Berne-Knox-Westerlo student who has been learning from home has tested positive for COVID-19, according to an email Superintendent Timothy Mundell sent to BKW students, family, and staff on Monday morning.

“The Black and brown communities that were first on the list of who died cannot be last on the list of who receives the vaccine,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo Sunday in a fiery sermon-like speech.