coronavirus

GUILDERLAND — When stylists Erika Bates and Rebecca Riggi signed their lease for a space in Guilderland Center earlier this year, it was the culmination of a years-long desire to own their salon. But then the coronavirus was declared a pandemic. 

In Knox’s first town board meeting physically open to the public since the coronavirus settled in March, Supervisor Vasilios Lefkaditis assured residents that the town is in strong financial standing despite projected sales-tax loss, which he credits to the town’s robust cash balance.

As the COVIID-19 numbers decline, Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen said, “It is not we-are-out-of-the-woods news.” Whalen noted that, as other countries have reopened, there is almost always a spike in COVID-19 cases. “There’s a difference in areas that are vigilant in their reopening and areas that are not,” she said. 

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. 

“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.

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

At its May 28 special meeting, Supervisor William Bichteman broke down the money Westerlo can save from either laying off, furloughing, or reducing the hours of between one and four town employees. 

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - coronavirus