For the fourth day in a row, the Capital Region, of which Albany County is a part, had the highest percentage of positive test results in the state — 1.6 percent.

Albany County COVID-19 cases, starting in the beginning of March, appeared to reach an apex in mid-April, then continued to largely decline through the four phases of reopening the economy. But now, over the last two weeks, new cases, followed by hospitalizations and deaths, are on the rise.

Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen drew a sharp line between “people flying in the face of what is recommended” — for example business owners flagrantly disregarding executive orders who might then face arrest — and what her department does. “What we do at the health department in terms of contact tracing and case investigation has no legal ties whatsoever,” said Whalen.

In a time of worry about youth unwittingly spreading COVID-19, local college leaders share their plans for reopening campuses.

The coronavirus uptick in Albany County continues with 29 new cases announced today and two more deaths.

Crossgates Mall was locked down after reports of gunfire on Wednesday afternoon. No one was injured, police say, and, as of Wednesday evening, no suspects were in custody.

With a recent $10,000 investment from the Guilderland Industrial Development Agency, the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce is planning to launch a community investor program that will ultimately return funds to local small businesses that apply. In a separate initiative, the chamber plans to expand and diversify its board.

RENSSELAERVILLE — The Rensselaerville Historical Society is hosting an art show, starting this weekend, at the Grist Mill on the hamlet’s Main Street.

Twenty-five artists will have their works on display. 

ALBANY COUNTY — The county had just one new case of COVID-19 yesterday after a week of upticks.

Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday said, “You look across the regions of the state, we see good news all across the regions. No warning signs or no trouble spots.”

Seven of today’s 17 new COVID-19 cases in Albany County are linked to a Fourth of July party in several backyards on Hudson Avenue, bringing the total number of positives from that party to 22.