South End Neighborhood Association: Mayor Sheehan regarding COVID-19

Message from Mayor Sheehan Re: COVID-19

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Our office has received many calls from residents who are concerned about the coronavirus. Since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in New York State, I have been in close contact with State and County health officials to monitor the spread of the virus and recommended prevention protocols. I participate in a daily update with other elected officials from around the region.

Our first responders also participate in regular updates from federal, state and county health and public safety agencies.

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the New York State Department of Health and the Albany County Department of Health for the most recent guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions and symptoms.

At this time, there are no reported cases of coronavirus in Albany County.

Based on current CDC recommendations, the City of Albany has not revoked the permit issued to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for this Saturday’s 70^th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We continue to monitor directives issued by the CDC, as well as State and County health officials and will follow all protocols recommended for mass gatherings.

Click here to watch today's press conference with Mayor Sheehan and County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

The City is dedicated to ensuring a safe, family-friendly environment on March 14th and works closely with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee to coordinate our public safety efforts.

Those wishing to take part in St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrations should take preventative action by washing their hands frequently, not sharing drinks, and covering their mouth if they cough or sneeze.

If you are ill, elderly, have a compromised immune system, diabetes, lung disease or heart disease, the CDC recommends that you avoid crowds and take special precautions. Parade attendance is not compulsory, even if you’re Irish, so please follow CDC guidance and stay home if you fall into any of these categories!

Please visit the Albany County Dept. of Health’s website for the latest information about COVID-19 and coronavirus in Albany County.

Sincerely,