“The concerns that lead to using more drugs and alcohol or potentially relapsing if you’re in recovery or even overdosing are present all together right now and posing enormous challenges to folks that are struggling with addiction,” says Stephen Giordano, Ph.D., director of the Albany County Department of Mental Health.

Feed Albany and the South End Children’s Café are accepting donations to provide food for those who need it in the midst of the pandemic.

“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.

COVID-19 testing will start Thursday in high-needs neighborhoods in Albany County.

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.”