Work sites are to be set up to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the Capital Region begins the first phase of reopening tomorrow. Returning workers are to be tested for COVID-19.

Albany County’s mental-health emergency response team is ready to help the families and friends of residents who have died of COVID-19 just as it would if there were a plane crash, offering grief counseling and support.

“We’re all talking about what is the spread of the virus when you increase economic activity,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo at his Sunday press briefing. “Well, how do you know what the spread of the virus is? Testing, testing, testing.”

“It’s a complex plan that combines creating a healthy environment for businesses with communications and best practices,” said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy on Saturday as he released the Capital Region’s reopening plan.

The “Athletes are Children First” grant will allow the Crime Victims Center and the county’s Department for Children, Youth and Families and the Children’s Advocacy Center to offer training to club staff, coaches, and parents on best practices to prevent abuse, as well as providing outreach and support.

While half of the 10 regions in New York State were able to begin the first phase of reopening today, the Capital Region still has to meet two of five metrics.

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis in New York State, the attorney general’s office has been pursuing scammers and price gougers, advocating for small businesses, and protecting nursing-home residents, says Letitia James.

While a fifth region met the seven metrics on Thursday to begin reopening Friday, the Capital Region still hasn’t met the metrics for hospitalization and death rates.

Albany County Executive Daniel Mccoy says that the large number of nursing homes in the Capital Region are keeping the region from meeting one of the metrics needed to reopen.

Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said at his Tuesday morning briefing, “Our report is pretty much done; we’re just waiting for sign-off from other counties.” In addition to Albany County, the Capital Region includes Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties.