“We are not in any way, shape, or form in a downward trend at this point,” says Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen as confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the county.
“We’re going to go through a time where we’re going to be seriously economically hurt, disadvantaged, and we need to continue to provide the services …,” said Stephen Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties.
Outbreaks of COVID-19 in nursing homes are not the result of inattentiveness or a shortcoming in facilities, according to Stephen Hanse, president and chief executive officer of the New York State Health Facilities Association and the New York State Center for Assisted Living. “The very nature of long-term care is a high-touch environment where social distancing is not an option. Staff are helping residents with bathing, dressing, eating, and other personal daily needs,” he said.
This week, Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the state’s “pause” to at least May 15 — keeping schools and nonessential businesses shut — and also has outlined a plan to “un-pause” New York.
ALBANY COUNTY — The statewide “pause” — shutting nonessential businesses and prohibiting gatherings — is extended until at least May 15, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday.
The closure is in concert with neighboring states.
A judge has denied the sale of Picard’s Grove to developer Michael Biernacki for $500,000, requiring that other offers be considered and also that the property be appraised and that the owner’s personal property be properly inventoried.
In times of high stress, like now, it can be hard for parents to make sound, smart choices, said Moira Manning, the county’s commissioner for Children, Youth, and Families. “They often times aren’t thinking before they act.”
While New York’s Andrew Cuomo is working with the governors of neighboring states to set up a council to restore the economy and get people back to work, Albany County is stressing non-essential workers still need to stay home for now.
