As coronavirus cases continue to climb in Albany County and vital services are shut down in response, children and seniors in the Hilltowns are vulnerable not only to the virus, but to hunger. To remedy this, the Berne Youth Council, Berne Library, and Berne-Knox-Westerlo School District are working together to deliver meals and groceries to these at-risk populations.

A 7-year-old is among the 10 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus disease, bringing Albany County’s total to 25, County Executive Daniel McCoy announced at this morning’s press conference.

The financial crippling that is spreading along with the coronavirus has led the state to suspend debt collection for at least 30 days, starting today.

A bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers quarantined because of the coronavirus has been agreed upon by State Senate and Assembly leaders, the governor announced today.

An Albany Medical College staff member has been diagnosed with COVID-19 resulting from exposure outside the facility, according to a March 16 release from Albany Med, which noted this is currently the only staff member with a confirmed case.

As blood drives are canceled across the United States at an alarming rate due to coronavirus concerns, the American Red Cross is strongly urging healthy individuals to give blood or platelets to help patients in need.

ALBANY COUNTY — Schools across Albany County that had closed for a week, starting today, will now be closed until April 1, according to an executive order Governor Andrew Cuomo signed this afternoon.

The state has suspended its requirement for 180 days of instruction during a school year.

The Food Pantries for the Capital District is working to ensure that local food pantries are prepared to serve the most vulnerable residents in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local food pantries that are part of the network include those located in Altamont, Bethlehem, Guilderland, the Hilltowns, and New Scotland.

“We are estimated to be nine to 10 days behind Italy. Please look at what’s going on there,” said Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen. “What we do right now as a community in terms of limiting social interaction can blunt the curve and help our hospital capacity and our capacity to care for those that are ill.”

ALBANY COUNTY — All 11 Albany County patients with confirmed cases of coronavirus disease are recovering, according to a release Sunday morning from the office of Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy.

This is up from the count of seven confirmed cases yesterday evening.