A new test by the state’s Wadworth Laboratory, located in Albany, is supposed to help conserve protective equipment, which is in short supply, for health-care workers and reduce their exposure to coronavirus, according to a release from the governor’s office Sunday.

Stasis brought on by coronavirus was formally extended Sunday as Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a slew of restrictions on non-essential businesses and government workers would last, for now, until April 15.

The daily ridership of the CDTA has dropped by as much as 75 percent recently. 

Stephen Giordano, director of Albany County’s department of mental health, made several suggestions for managing stress in the time of coronavirus. “Exercise heals us emotionally,” he said. “Sleep is critical for the immune system. So is eating.”

“Wake up. Stop being selfish,” Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy urged residents on Wednesday as cases of COVID-19 soar downstate and people continue to leave their homes here and gather.

Tuesday night, Minority Leader Frank Mauriello with Chairman Andrew Joyce, Majority Leader Dennis Feeney, and Deputy Minority Leader Paul Burgdorf were the only Albany County legislators in chambers for a special meeting. Other legislators participated from home on their computers to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

Teachers and administrators had very little time to prepare for the weeks-long closings of their schools but have been pleasantly surprised with how teaching online has gone so far. 

In the midst of the pandemic, Governor Andrew Cuomo softened election requirements; candidates now need to collect only 30 percent of the statutory threshold. Michelle Hinchey, a Democratic candidate for the state Senate’s 46th District, is challenging the petition her Democratic opponent for the nomination, Gary Greenberg, had submitted. Greenberg suggested that the challenge is emblematic of insider-versus-outsider politics.

“There are still people that feel we are overreacting,” said Steven Hanks, chief clinical officer of St. Peter’s Health Partners. “We are in support of the governor’s increase of at least 50 percent.”

ALBANY COUNTY — In the midst of his press conference on Tuesday morning, Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy got a text saying that two more COVID-19 patients had been hospitalized: both are men, aged 44 and 68.

“Take this serious, folks. Please,” he said.