“We’re all talking about what is the spread of the virus when you increase economic activity,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo at his Sunday press briefing. “Well, how do you know what the spread of the virus is? Testing, testing, testing.”

“It’s a complex plan that combines creating a healthy environment for businesses with communications and best practices,” said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy on Saturday as he released the Capital Region’s reopening plan.

Fifteen small businesses are the first to be awarded COVID-19 Grants from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. 

The program has been funded through donations from Neil and Jane Golub, the Capital Region Chamber, Berkshire Bank, Citizens Bank, KeyBank, as well as other municipalities and community organizations.

Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York will not be holding traditional summer camp this season due to concerns for the health and safety of its campers, staff, and families.

The “Athletes are Children First” grant will allow the Crime Victims Center and the county’s Department for Children, Youth and Families and the Children’s Advocacy Center to offer training to club staff, coaches, and parents on best practices to prevent abuse, as well as providing outreach and support.

While half of the 10 regions in New York State were able to begin the first phase of reopening today, the Capital Region still has to meet two of five metrics.

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis in New York State, the attorney general’s office has been pursuing scammers and price gougers, advocating for small businesses, and protecting nursing-home residents, says Letitia James.

While a fifth region met the seven metrics on Thursday to begin reopening Friday, the Capital Region still hasn’t met the metrics for hospitalization and death rates.

Albany County Executive Daniel Mccoy says that the large number of nursing homes in the Capital Region are keeping the region from meeting one of the metrics needed to reopen.

These local students have recently earned diplomas in these fields from Cedarville University in Ohio:

— Kristin Hannay from Westerlo, earned a degree in bachelor of arts in communication; and

— Mark Stadtlander from Westerlo, earned a degree in bachelor of arts in history.