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.

WESTERLO — “After a courageous battle with lung cancer, Willie passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020 at St. Peter’s Hospital,” his family wrote in a tribute. “As with so many others during these coronavirus times, it was so frustrating not being able to be by his side.” He was 61.

“On March 27, 2020 our dear son, husband, and brother, Lee, of Glenville, New York passed away after fighting a battle with metastatic cancer and mental illness,” his family wrote in a tribute.

James Richard Patnode, a resident of Queensbury who grew up in Guilderland, died at home on Sunday, April 12, 2020, following an extensive cardiac history, surrounded by his wife and family. He was 75.

He was born on March 27, 1945 in Burlington, Vermont and was the son of the late Richard and Eleanor (née Morrell) Patnode.

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

On Friday, April 17, the Dudley Observatory Presentation will proceed as scheduled, except it will be filmed and available on YouTube.

 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.”