Melissa Hale-Spencer

If low COVID-19 numbers continue, the Capital Region could start phases 3 and 4 ahead of schedule.

On Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he would issue an executive order extending the deadline for school districts to receive school budget ballots. To be counted, school budget ballots can be accepted by hand delivery through 5 p.m. on June 9 and received by mail through June 16 by the school district. 

On Saturday, about 100 people marched in Altamont in support of Black Lives Matter. One marched as a Wobbly, another as a Jew, a third as a teacher, a fourth as a mother. At the end, they knelt together in silence for eight minutes and 45 seconds to honor George Floyd. 

“If our numbers stay the way they are … we might get into Phase 3 earlier,” Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said on Friday.

Directives from the state’s Department of Health state that students and families without vehicles would need to be provided alternative accommodations and transportation that complies with social-distancing requirements.

While customers are excited, after months of isolation, just to be going out, “they need to be patient with the bar owners, the restaurants, and each other, and be kind to each other,” urged Tess Collins, owner of McGeary’s Irish Pub.

ALBANY COUNTY — In a cathedral-like setting, prayers were offered Thursday morning for love and healing, peace and understanding.

If businesses and customers follow protocols and the metrics set by the state hold, the Capital Region would begin Phase 3 on June 17.

Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen said of recent protests that “a large part of this anger is due to an underlying systemic problem that occurs across this country, and that is racism.”

As the Capital Region prepares to have Phase 2 businesses reopen, Albany County Executive Daniel Mccoy said, “Many people are going to be coming out that have been home almost 13 weeks … They’re going to come out to a new world … I know people are nervous … We need you to do the right things.”

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Melissa Hale-Spencer