“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.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the board of directors of Old Songs Inc. decided this week to postpone the 40th Old Songs Festival to June 25-27, 2021.

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.

We should not resort to politics as usual but rather insist that our elected representatives in federal government work together to be sure resources are spent wisely and delivered equitably.

Is a year-long COVID-caused depression with an unemployment rate not seen since 1940, the year before the United States entered World War II, within the realm of possibility?

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.