News Flash

From Saratoga County:

• The Saratoga County Department of Public Health Services today announced that there are 331 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saratoga County and 9 of those individuals are hospitalized at this time.  
• Officials from Saratoga County and community partners will be hosting a Facebook Live event on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to answer questions from residents related to COVID-19.  Community members can submit questions in advance or view the stream here: https://m.facebook.com/SaratogaOES/ 
  The hour-long event will be hosted on the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services Facebook page and feature:
  • Peter P. Bardunias, Senior Vice President, Community Advancement, Capital Region Chamber
  • Ken Slentz, Superintendent, Ballston Spa Central School District
  • Sandra M. Cross, Director, Saratoga County Office for the Aging

From New York State and Governor Cuomo: 

1. Phase two of the state’s antibody testing survey results are in. The preliminary results, from an expanded sample size of about 7,500, show that 14.9 percent of the population are positive for COVID-19 antibodies. But there are large variations depending on the region within the state.

2. Starting today, the state is expanding its antibody testing survey to further determine the spread of infection among frontline workers and first responders. Today the state tested 1,000 FDNY officers and 1,000 NYPD officers from across all five boroughs of New York City, and this week we will test 3,000 healthcare workers and 1,000 transit workers for antibodies. These New Yorkers are putting themselves on the frontlines and we must ensure we’re checking on them.

3. Five new drive-through testing facilities will open in Monroe, Erie, Broome, Niagara and Oneida Counties. On Saturday, the state expanded diagnostic testing criteria to include all first responders, healthcare workers and essential employees even if they don’t have symptoms. These individuals will be able to get tested for COVID-19 at these new drive-thru facilities. If you’re eligible and would like to be tested, you must make an appointment by calling 888-364-306 or by visiting http://covid19screening.health.ny.gov. 

4. New York State will provide financial support to food banks across the state. The state will provide $25 million from the state’s special public health emergency fund for food banks and providers most impacted by COVID-19. To find a food bank that supports your region, visit the Department of Health’s food bank state map. We are also asking any philanthropies that would like to help the state’s food banks to email COVIDPhilanthropies@exec.ny.gov.

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