Daniel McCoy

Reporting 60.9% of Albany County’s population has received at least the first dose of the COVID vaccine, and 53% has been fully vaccinated. Sadly, I have to report 1 new COVID death - a man in his 50's. The pandemic and economic shutdown devastated an estimated 1.2 million New York tenants’ ability to pay rent, leaving countless landlords to pick up the pieces and unable to pay their property taxes. I was proud to fight for Albany County’s share of emergency rental assistance... from the federal government, but property owners have continued to suffer waiting for the State to release this funding through their own portal. I’m happy to say that starting June 1, eligible households will be able to start applying for $2.7 billion in critical aid, which will get many landlords back on their feet and help to prevent unnecessary evictions once the moratorium ends. More from today's update at the link: https://www.albanycounty.com//Compone/News/News/1157/3769 See more

Great news from CNBC -- the Pfizer vaccine was found to be effective in protecting against the COVID-19 variants found in India and the U.K. This is definitely encouraging in our fight against the virus, as we reopen and return to normalcy. We’re offering the Pfizer vaccine on a weekly basis at clinics across the county, including tomorrow at the Albany Cap Center from 1:30 to 4:00pm. The clinics are for everyone 12 and up and walk-ins are welcome. https://www.cnbc.com//two-doses-of-covid-vaccines-provide-

We have a number of COVID vaccination clinics coming up this week, including one tomorrow at the Church of Saint Patrick in Ravena. No appointments are needed, and walk-ins are more than welcome. Thank you CDPHP, Community Care Physicians, P.C. and Town of Coeymans, NY for working with us on this! https://www.albanycounty.com//coronavi/vaccine-information

There are plenty of options to get vaccinated this week and next week through any of Albany County's clinics, including this Friday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Albany. You don't need an appointment, just stop by. I want to thank CDPHP once again for their partnership on this important initiative that's bringing vaccines to locations that people know and trust. More vaccination information at the link: https://www.albanycounty.com//coronavi/vaccine-information

The latest update on Albany County's COVID-19 response: -->56.3% of the county’s population has received at least the 1st dose of the vaccine; 47.3% has been fully vaccinated. -->There were 16 new cases of COVID identified in the county since yesterday, 29 new recoveries, and 3 new hospitalizations. -->Tragically, there was 1 new COVID death overnight. Despite our progress with vaccinations, the virus is still a threat and we need more people to get vaccinated. We did get so...me good news last night with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizing the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use for those between the ages of 12 and 15. However, we still need to wait for a recommendation from the CDC and further guidance from the State to know how we will move forward. With that being said, I continue to urge those who are currently eligible to roll up their sleeves and get the shot at any of our POD’s coming up. Those include the Albany Cap Center on Thursday, our daily wall-in clinics at the County Department of Health and at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Fridays. More at the link: https://www.albanycounty.com//Compone/News/News/1127/3769 See more

Had a great meeting today with Westchester County Government County Executive George Latimer and my Deputy, Dan Lynch. New York's counties have been on the frontlines of the pandemic, and County Executive Latimer was always someone I could bounce ideas off of to help each other find smart solutions. I'm looking forward to continuing our partnership into the future beyond COVID-19.

Excited to welcome two new restaurant businesses to the Times Union Center - Ballistic Shrimp and ASR Hospitality - along with Lam's Kitchen continuing operations - with resolutions passed by the Albany County Legislature last night. These are great additions ahead of a fun season at the arena that'll include the return of the Albany Empire and the National Arena League the Albfirewolves and NLL: https://www.timesunioncenter-albany.com/

US FDA authorizes Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for use in people ages 12 to 15. From CNN: https://www.cnn.com//pfizer-vaccine-eua-12-15-t/index.html

The Albany County Dept. of Health has become aware of several hundred people who signed up for this Thursday’s vaccine clinic Sunday afternoon through a link that was NOT provided by ACDOH. This link appears to have originated from a staff member at a local school, and current efforts are underway to investigate how this occurred. Sunday evening, a communication was shared with the district to inform all those that signed up that their appointments could not be honored. Official sign-up via the ACDOH link occurred this week on Tuesday and Wednesday ONLY. The Albany County Department of Health is asking residents who signed up on an earlier link not to come to the clinic and to schedule themselves on the state website https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

There were 217 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Albany County since yesterday, and tragically, I have to report 3 more COVID-related deaths. There were also 15 new hospitalizations overnight. We know demand is high to get the vaccine out to those who now qualify in the 1b phase, especially our seniors and those with compromised immune systems. In order to relieve some of the pressure from high call volumes, I’m happy to once again partner with United Way of the Greater Capital Region and their 211 hotline helping us get information out to those who need it faster. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible to get the shot or if you want to know where to get it, please dial 2-1-1. More at the link: https://www.albanycounty.com//Componen/News/News/844/3769

If you didn't get a chance to watch today, our full COVID-19 response briefing from earlier is at the below link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nBeGQPVBJY&feature=youtu.be

Are you struggling to afford your utility bills this year? You can use the below link to find out if you qualify for Heating and Cooling Assistance (HEAP) and apply for this important program: https://www.ny.gov//apply-heating-and-cooling-assistance-h

An important note - just because you tested negative for COVID-19, doesn't mean you aren't carrying the virus and potentially infecting others. The below timeline illustrates how it can take time to develop symptoms and become contagious after you've been infected. The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is by wearing a mask, social distancing and staying home as much as possible. Please stay safe everyone: https://www.albanycounty.com/departm//coronavirus-covid-19

Few businesses have been hurt worse during the pandemic and economic shutdown than our restaurants and bars. They were one of the last to reopen and many won’t survive through the winter, especially if their indoor capacity gets cut to 25%. During today's COVID-19 briefing, I announced an Emergency Order capping third party delivery fees from places like Grubhub and DoorDash at 15% or purchase orders. I was joined by Albany County Legislature Chairman Joyce to discuss a local... law that will codify the cap to ensure local businesses and residents aren’t being nickel-and-dimed, while delivery workers are left holding the bag with a mediocre tip. I was also joined by Advanced Therapy PLLC President Peter Scotto who generously donated $10,000 to support our Adopt-A-Family program and families in need during the holidays. More at the link: https://www.albanycounty.com//Components/News/News/766/3769 See more

Our annual Adopt-A-Family campaign continues today at Crossgates Mall until 6pm. If you can’t make it, please consider stopping by our table sometime this week to find out how you can support local families with basic household needs. We’re located on the upper level near Best Buy: https://www.albanycounty.com//adopt-a-family-for-the-holid

The latest update on Albany County's COVID-19 response.

Here's the link to today's briefing complete with slides. https://youtu.be/2FrirOWDVCk

Reporting today there were 39 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Albany County today, including: ->18 with close contact to positive cases; ->2 reporting out of state travel; ->16 without a clear source of infection at this time; ->3 healthcare workers or residents of congregate settings.... Businesses continue to struggle amid the pandemic, and today I was joined by the Albany County Legislature to announce the official creation of the Advance Albany County Alliance expected at tonight's meeting. This local development corporation will not only provide grants to local businesses and help them with state and federal funding, but will also better coordinate existing economic development to fill the current gaps and make Albany County a more attractive place to do business: https://www.albanycounty.com//Componen/News/News/669/3769 See more

Providing the latest COVD-19 update and making an economic development announcement with the Albany County Legislature and County Economic Development Director Kevin O'Connor:

I'll be providing the latest update on Albany County's COVID-19 response today at 10:30am through Facebook Live on my page. I'll also be making an important economic development announcement with the Albany County Legislature. Tune in if you have the chance. And as always, please stay healthy and stay safe.

Proud to honor our veterans at a ceremony today at the Memorial Park in the South End of Albany.

The latest update on Albany County’s COVID-19 response: There were 55 new positive cases identified since yesterday. The number of residents currently hospitalized from the virus remained at a recent high of 31, and sadly a second resident has passed away over the weekend. More at the link: https://www.albanycounty.com//Components/News/News/668/3769

Our County Department for Children, Youth and Families team will be at Crossgates Mall today from 11am to 3pm collecting items for our Adopt-A-Family program. We’re helping residents with basic necessities like jackets, blankets, appliances and more. Stop by our table near Best Buy on the upper level and find out what you can donate! https://www.albanycounty.com//adopt-a-family-for-the-holid

Great turnout on the first day of the Capital Region Toys for Tots drop off drive- thru at the Albany County Hockey Facility. If you weren’t able to make it, we’ll be back again collecting new, unwrapped toys next weekend on November 14. Help us beat last years record and get to 200,000 children served! Thank you Marine Corps Reserve and Dunkin' for making this a reality.

Please use the below link for the latest update on Albany County’s COVID-19 response: https://www.albanycounty.com//Components/News/News/666/3769

Congratulations to Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, and Kamala Harris, the first Black female Vice President. Now is the time to turn the page, reject the divisive and hyper-partisan politics and move forward as one nation.