On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan, China. The disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. As the outbreak continues to have an effect on Capital Region communities, Hot 99.1 is committed to bringing you the latest developments, resources, and information to assist in this time of social distancing. Bookmark this page to stay updated with COVID-19 and how it affects the Albany, Saratoga, Troy and other areas.
CDC Says Mask Up In 35 NY Counties, Including Several In Capital Region
The number of Upstate New York counties receiving the "high" COVID community level designation continues to grow.
The CDC Says You Should Mask Up In These 10 Upstate NY Counties
The CDC is recommending residents once again wear masks due to high COVID levels in several New York counties.
Governor Hochul Reveals Plan To Assess Ending New York School Mask Mandate
Now that the state mask mandate for businesses has been lifted, the big question for parents is when will the school mandate get lifted?
New York To End Mask Mandate For Businesses Thursday
It is another sign we are emerging from another COVID surge.
NY State, County Health Departments To End COVID Contact Tracing
As the winter surge of the Omicron variant continues, it will now be up to New Yorkers who test positive for COVID to self-quarantine and alert those they came in contact with.
New York Mask Mandates – Will You Have to Wear a Mask in Your Town?
Get your frowning and scowling out of the way now, because unfortunately, masks might cover them up soon. Will you have to wear a mask in your New York town?
New York Canadian Border Finally Being Cleared For Reopening
New York Border To Canada Finally Cleared For Reopening
New York Sets New COVID Requirements To Reopen Schools
Governor Hochul announced new requirements to safely reopen schools, including vaccination and testing requirements for all school personnel.
Illinois Woman Arrested in Hawaii After Using Fake COVID Vaccination Card to Go on Vacation
She allegedly misspelled Moderna as "Maderna."
Some SPAC Shows Add Vaccination/Negative COVID Test Requirement
After most Capital Region indoor venues put a mask requirement into place, a couple shows at SPAC will now be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
Oh Deer! Did New York White-Tailed Deer Have COVID?
Studies have been done that indicate that white-tailed deer in four states have tested positive for coronavirus antibodies. Although not all white-tailed deer have presented with the antibodies, about thirty percent have. What does this mean for the deer population in New York and should we be worried that they are carriers?
3 Local Counties Should Again Mask Up Based On CDC Guidance
As COVID infection rates continue to spike due to the Delta variant, there are 3 local counties in and around the Capital Region that would fall under new CDC guidance to return to wearing masks indoors.
Disney Parks To Require Face Masks Again as COVID Cases Surge
See Disney's list of requirements for an acceptable face mask.
Will New York State Residents Be Forced To Wear Masks Indoors Again?
Could residents in NYS and WNY be forced to mask up indoors again?
NY COVID Positive Rate Lowest Since Pandemic Began
Day to day and week to week the state's COVID numbers continue to get better and better.
Could Travel To Canada Resume This Month?
The ban on non-essential travel to Canada is set to expire May 21st.
iPhone Update Will Let You Unlock Phone With Mask On
The struggle of trying to open your iPhone with your hands full and your mask on is real. I've been pushing my shopping cart down one-way isles in the supermarket trying to open my list or coupon app and dropped my phone more than once. I sadly do not seem to have the dexterity to hold a half-gallon of skim milk in one hand and type in a code on my phone with the other. The people at Apple have heard my cries of helplessness as I pray my case and screen protector will keep my iPhone from shattering on contact with the ground. The latest update will allow you to unlock your iPhone while still wearing your mask.
COVID-19 Stimulus Bill Also Randomly Makes Illegal Streaming a Felony
Illegal streaming can come with some fines and jail time.
CDC Thanksgiving Guidelines are About as Much fun as a Tofu Turkey
With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, I guess it's time to start thinking about how to do these major family gatherings in the COVID world we now live in.
New York’s Travel Advisory Grows To 43 States
It's time to just start listing the states we can travel to.
President Trump & First Lady Melania Trump Test Positive for COVID-19
President Trump announced that he and his wife, Melania Trump, have tested positive for the coronavirus. Trump shared the news on Twitter early Friday morning.
NY School COVID “Report Cards” Up And Running
Students and parents can now track online how their local schools are doing when it comes to dealing with the coronavirus.
$300 Unemployment Benefits
Although the federal government has not stepped up to the plate to help vulnerable citizens, who have recently been unemployed, The New York State Department of Labor is filling a portion of the void.
New HEALS Act Would Extend Adjusted Unemployment Benefits
Senate Republicans revealed their next stimulus package proposal Monday which will extend unemployment benefits.
Free Kids Virtual Summer Camps With Microsoft
There are some pretty cool virtual camps being offered for free online through Microsoft including backpacking in the United Kingdom and coding your own video games. Here's how to sign up for your kids.
Rent Relief
Governor Cuomo expressed his belief that no New Yorker should lose housing due to COVID-19. Governor Cuomo is still working to reopen New York in a safe,
Check Your EZ Pass: Some Raising Eyebrows Over Charges
After EZ Pass stopped cash collections in March, some drivers have been seeing discrepancies in toll charges.
Salons Reopening Soon
It seems that New York will be going to phase 2 of the reopening plan soon, are you ready? Stylists and clients all over New York are anxiously awaiting phase 2 to be implemented.
Capital Region On Track To Reopen This Week
It was some good news for the Capital Region during Governor Cuomo's Sunday press conference.
Here’s When You’ll Be Able To Get A Haircut In New York
It has been one of the less urgent but more annoying scenarios of the pandemic: dealing with out of control hair. But relief is coming soon!