Tattoo artist Elija Ortiz inks medical alert symbol on the wrist of Sadie Dunne of Albany at Tom Spaulding Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday was the first day that tattoo shops could reopen for business. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Tattoo artist Elija Ortiz inks medical alert symbol on the wrist of Sadie Dunne of Albany at Tom Spaulding Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday was the first day that tattoo shops could reopen for business. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Albany City School District budget and election ballots are prepared for counting by district employees and community members on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Arbor Hill Elementary School in Albany, N.Y. The school ballots will all be counted by hand. (Will Waldron/Times Union) Will Waldron
Albany City School District budget and election ballots are prepared for counting by district employees and community members on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Arbor Hill Elementary School in Albany, N.Y. The school ballots will all be counted by hand. (Will Waldron/Times Union) Will Waldron
Kari Cushing, executive director of the Franklin Community Center, wears a Saratoga branded face mask at a press event to announce the sale of the masks on Monday, June 15, 2020, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The sale of the masks is a joint initiative between NYRA and the City of Saratoga Springs and portion of proceeds will go to Franklin Community Center and the Shelters of Saratoga. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
A view of the Saratoga branded face masks that will be for sale and a portion of proceeds will go to Franklin Community Center and the Shelters of Saratoga. This is a joint initiative between NYRA and the City of Saratoga Springs. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Volunteers hand out food bags to those in need at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center on Monday, June 15, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The food distribution event was put on by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Volunteers pack food into bags that will be distributed to those in need at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center on Monday, June 15, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The food distribution event was put on by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Matthew Leon, of Lovin’ Mama Farm, pours beans into a bag during the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which returned to Riverfront Park on Saturday, June 13, 2020 with 43 vendors. Last month, the market opened for the season in a Russell Sage College parking lot with 25 vendors (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.) Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union
The crowd was wearing masks and following the arrows at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which returned to Riverfront Park on Saturday, June 13, 2020 with 43 vendors. Last month, the market opened for the season in a Russell Sage College parking lot with 25 vendors (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.) TBA
Volunteers help as Capital District Area Labor Federation hosts a Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York drive-thru pantry at the Albany Labor Temple on Friday, June 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy urges that indoor malls and small businesses, who are otherwise eligible to begin reopening in a safe and responsible manner, are considered in upcoming Phase 3 as part of the stateÕs reopening plan, NY-FORWARD during a press conference at Crossgates Mall on Thursday June 11, 2020 in Guilderland, N.Y. Fahy was joined by leaders from the local business community. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Entrepreneurs Phil Pevzner, at microphone, and his brother Andrew, owners of Laced Up, urge that indoor malls and small businesses, who are otherwise eligible to begin reopening in a safe and responsible manner, are considered in upcoming Phase 3 as part of the stateÕs reopening plan, NY-FORWARD during a press conference at Crossgates Mall on Thursday June 11, 2020 in Guilderland, N.Y. The businesses owners were joined by leaders from the local business community. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Volunteer, Amy Blanch of Slingerlands, reaches for a bag of apples as she works packing food into bags that will be handed out at the Albany International Airport on Thursday, June 11, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. The airport, in cooperation with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, hosted the contactless drive-thru food distribution for anyone in need of food at this time. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Volunteers work packing food into bag that will be handed out at the Albany International Airport on Thursday, June 11, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. The airport, in cooperation with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, hosted the contactless drive-thru food distribution for anyone in need of food at this time. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Patty Paull, left, of Glenville, and her cousin Louise Carlini of Ballston Spa along with their dogs, Sophie, and Simon, enjoy lunch outside of BurgerFi on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Swifty's Restaurant & Pub was open for first day of outdoor dining permitted by the state under its coronavirus reopening guidelines on Thursday, June 4, 2020, in Delmar, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union) Will Waldron/Times Union
A car enters the COVID-19 testing site at UAlbany on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. There were no lines at the site. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Brandon Whittall, right, hands over purchases to a customer at the Lark Street Mercantile on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Whittall and his wife Michelle Whittall own the business and also the Clinton Street Mercantile in Schenectady. Michelle was working at the Schenectady store on Wednesday, the first day both stores could reopen to customers. The Lark St. store was newly opened in March and nine days after opening had to close due to new rules dealing with COVID-19. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Graduating Schenectady High School senior Kini-Analysa McCalmon, center, is pictured with her sister, Zilya, 14, left, and mother, Thearse McCalmon, right, on Thursday, June 4, 2020, in Schenectady, N.Y. Kini-Analysa made face masks and assisted her community in overcoming coronavirus hardships. (Will Waldron/Times Union) Will Waldron/Times Union
Owen Ball, a senior at East Greenbush CSD, has made hundreds of face shields for first-line workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic on his 3D printer. (Courtesy of East Greenbush CSD)
Autumn Waterhouse, standing, takes a lunch order, from left, from Lisa Mooney, Julia Watjen and Tom Connolly at Dawn's Victory Cafe in Albany on Thursday, June 4, 2020. (Photo by Steve Barnes/Times Union.) Steve Barnes/Times Union
Summer Waterhouse, a server at Dawn's Victory Sports Cafe in Albany, on her first day back at work Thursday after more than 11 weeks of a coronavirus-related furlough. Steve Barnes/Times Union
Marlon Sousis, the owner of The Palace Barbershop, wipes hair off the neck of customer Michael Munson on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in Rensselaer, N.Y. Wednesday was the first day that the shop could be back open to the public. Sousis is not requiring his employees or customers to wear a face mask in the barbershop. Sousis said that he believes it is every person's constitutional right to examine the data themselves and to decide what precautions they want to take. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Informational postings on the window at The Palace Barbershop on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in Rensselaer, N.Y. Wednesday was the first day that the shop could be back open to the public. The owner, Marlon Sousis is not requiring his employees or customers to wear a face mask in the barbershop. Sousis said that he believes it is every person's constitutional right to examine the data themselves and to decide what precautions they want to take. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Joey Federico, owner of The Barber Parlor, right, and Ashleigh Goss, operations manager and barber, unload supplies as they prepare to open for business on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. Barber shops are one of the businesses that are allowed to re-open Wednesday after having to close due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Azmat Ahmad prepares food at the Al-Hidaya Center in Latham NY that will get delivered to community service sites during the Fifth National Muslim Soup Kitchen Day on Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.) James Franco
Duaa Dawood prepares food at the Al-Hidaya Center in Latham NY for delivery to community service sites during the Fifth National Muslim Soup Kitchen Day on Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.) James Franco
Nada Mohamed and Amira Eltahir prepare food at the Al-Hidaya Center in Latham NY for delivery to community service sites during the Fifth National Muslim Soup Kitchen Day on Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.) James Franco
Exterior of the Times Union Center on Wednesday, May, 27, 2020, on S. Pearl Street in Albany, N.Y. The downtown Albany venue could host graduation ceremonies as soon as August, if approved. (Will Waldron/Times Union) Will Waldron/Times Union
A pedestrian is seen wearing a mask on Thursday, May 28, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department displays the message "get well America" on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 in Loudonville, N.Y. This is one of many signs that fire departments or businesses have displayed since the outbreak of COVID-19. Lori Van Buren / Times Union
A man disinfects his hands at Million Dollar Beach on Sunday, May 24, 2020, in Lake George, N.Y. New rules are in effect to help stop the spread of coronavirus. People must wear masks when moving around the beach but masks can be removed when swimming or when sitting on the sand. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
People make their way around Million Dollar Beach on Sunday, May 24, 2020, in Lake George, N.Y. New rules are in effect to help stop the spread of coronavirus. People must wear masks when moving around the beach but masks can be removed when swimming or when sitting on the sand. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Signs are posted at Million Dollar Beach on Sunday, May 24, 2020, in Lake George, N.Y. New rules are in effect to help stop the spread of coronavirus. People must wear masks when moving around the beach but masks can be removed when swimming or when sitting on the sand. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Staff wearing masks were making sure people practiced social distancing and disinfected handrails at the beach at Thompson's Lake Campground on Monday, May 25, 2020 in East Berne, N.Y. Most campsites at the campground were empty due to a mandate of no camping at state campgrounds due to COVID-19. Although, some people were day picnicking on the campsites. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Staff wearing masks were making sure people practiced social distancing at the beach at Thompson's Lake Campground on Monday, May 25, 2020 in East Berne, N.Y. Most campsites at the campground were empty due to a mandate of no camping at state campgrounds due to COVID-19. Although, some people were day picnicking on the campsites. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Let's Be Leonard is seen performing on the back of Bonacio Construction, Inc. flatbed truck on Broadway to celebrate Caffe Lena's 60th Anniversary in the time of social distancing on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Hot Club of Saratoga and Garland Nelson also performed on separate trucks. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Let's Be Leonard is seen performing on the back of Bonacio Construction, Inc. flatbed truck on Broadway to celebrate Caffe Lena's 60th Anniversary in the time of social distancing on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Hot Club of Saratoga and Garland Nelson also performed on separate trucks. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Staff of the Colonie Senior Service Centers, along with staff from Hector PT lead an exercise, movement event called the Quarantine Exercise Hour outside of The Beltrone Living Center on Thursday, May 21, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. The staff performed the movements from the ground as the residents follow along by looking out the window from their individual apartments. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
A sign on the front window of the Illium Cafe and Bistro is posted to thank their customers seen here on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Troy, N.Y. The owner, chef Marla Ortega, has announced that the restaurant is permanently closed due to the uncertainty of how to reopen during the pandemic. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
A COVID-19 related sign is seen in the window of Saratoga Day Spa on Broadway on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A COVID-19 related sign is seen in a restaurant window on Broadway on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
East Greenbush School District school bus driver, Carianne Rudolph leads a parade of cars filled with school teachers and staff on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in East Schodack, N.Y. Bus drivers, teachers and staff were visiting every senior from Columbia High School over two days. This year 300 students will graduate from Columbia. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Columbia High School senior Nina Tedeschi waves as a car parade of East Greenbush School District teachers and staff drive by her home on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in East Schodack, N.Y. Bus drivers, teachers and staff were visiting every senior from Columbia High School over two days. This year 300 students will graduate from Columbia. Tedeschi, the class salutatorian, is going to be studying at Johns Hopkins University where she will be majoring in biomedical and mechanical engineering. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Antonio Bazzoffi, director of operations for SUNY Empire State College, stacks up donated baby items inside a CDTA bus at the college's Stuff the Bus event on Monday, May 18, 2020, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event, which took in essential baby items, was part of the United Way of the Greater Capital RegionAs annual day of service, 5.18 Day. Most all of the other 5.18 Day events were virtual due to the pandemic. Only new unopened items were accepted and and disinfecting protocol was being followed before the items were turned over to local organizations who would distribute the supplies to those in need. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union) Paul Buckowski
Outreach program assistant Luzmarie Rosario is seen delivering food to a homeless person as the Albany Outreach Van drives around and delivers food for the homeless on Monday, May 18, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The program has seen the unsheltered triple due to fears of contracting the virus in a shelter. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Lori Van Buren/Times Union
The message of NY Tough is created on the Corning Tower at the Empire State Plaza on Sunday, May 17, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The message has been displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Times Union
The message of NY Tough is created on the Corning Tower at the Empire State Plaza on Sunday, May 17, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The message has been displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Times Union
Volunteers James Pierce, left, and Jill Robbins load food into the back of a car at a food pantry at Clayton A. Bouton High School on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Voorheesville, N.Y. Ballston Spa National Bank, in conjunction with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Voorheesville School District hosted the drive-thru food pantry for area families and individuals in need of food and supplies. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A employee at the Amsterdam Michaels Arts & Crafts store puts up a sign on their first day of opening under lifting state coronavirus restrictions on Friday, May, 15, 2020, at Amsterdam Commons in Amsterdam, N.Y. The retail store is only open for curbside pickup on orders in the state's Mohawk Valley zone. The Capital Region remains on lockdown. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
People enjoy the calm before the storm at Washington Park on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Albany, N.Y.(Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
From left, Kyle Kissoon takes photos of Shanti Sinanan, University at Albany graduate Sherelle Sinanan, University at Albany graduate Tunisha Haque, Shauneille Sinanan and Clyde Sinanan outside the Capitol on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The family was taking photos of the grads in their caps and gowns by the tulips today since there isn't a traditional commencement ceremony. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Meghan Zautner works the snack bar on opening night at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY on Friday, May 15 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
James Franco
A number of rules were in place on opening night at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY on Friday, May 15 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
James Franco
James Franco
Shannon Delaney works the ice cream bar on opening night at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY on Friday, May 15 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
James Franco
Vincent Marro, Jamie Ockenholt, Bailey and Owen O’Brien and Nicholas Marro wait for the movie to start on opening night at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY on Friday, May 15 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
James Franco
Patrons at opening day of the Delmar Farmer’s Market held at its new location, Elm Avenue Park, on Saturday, May 16, 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
James Franco
Maria Buhl picks out a hanging plant during opening day of the Delmar Farmer’s Market held at its new location, Elm Avenue Park, on Saturday, May 16, 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
James Franco
Health care workers are seen taking down personal information from drivers at a coronavirus testing site at the Washington Irving Education Center on Wednesday, Tuesday, April 29, 2020 in Schenectady, N.Y. Click through the gallery for scenes from the Capital Region since the coronavirus struck.
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Josh Greenberg of Guilderland, left, and Luke NcNamee of Troy play songs such as what they call "Pomp and Quarantine," "Rainbow Connection" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on their saxophones on the steps of Russel Sage College on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The two saxophonist wanted to do something nice for the upcoming graduates in the Capital Region who won't be able to attend a traditional commencement ceremony. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Don Smyers, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties, unboxes some of the hand sanitizer that was being given out to farmers on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, in Cobleskill, N.Y. The program to get masks, hand sanitizer, and educational material to farms is a partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. There is no cost to farms for these products. The two distribution sites are the Sunshine Fairgrounds in Cobleskill and Northern Eagle Beverages in Oneonta. Both sites will be open again on Thursday, May 14th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and again on Wednesday, May 20th, and Thursday, May 21st from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
People are seen on top of a parking garage waiting for an LC-130 "Skibird" from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing to fly over St. Peter's Hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. "Skier 95" conducted a 12-city regional flyover to salute medical professionals, first responders, and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The health care workers below weren't able to see the plane as it flew too north of the hospital. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Leslie Boyd of Saratoga Apple, left, takes money from Peggie Hunt of Albany who was shopping with her mother Lorrie Mazza of Albany, at right, at the farmer's market at New Covenant Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. People were asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A vender helps a customer pick out a vegetable plant at the farmer's market at New Covenant Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. People were asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A customer pays for food at the Euro Delicacies vender at the farmer's market at New Covenant Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. People were asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Max LaMarche, foreground, and Maxx Kim, background, employees of Remarkable Liquids, repackage milk into to boxes on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, in Guilderland Center, N.Y. Price Chopper/Market 32 partnered with dairy farm cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America, Garelick Farms and Remarkable Liquids to donate and repackage nearly 5,000 gallons of milk that will then be donated to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski
Volunteers check people in at the start of food distribution to families in need during at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center on Monday, May 11, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany teamed up with Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to hold their second food distribution event. The next food event for the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany will be on May 19th in Fort Plain. More information about the various food distribution events can be found on the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany website. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Volunteers, Rich Jarvis, left, from Albany, and Eddie DelCastillo from Clifton Park, load food into the back of a vehicle for a family during a food distribution event at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center on Monday, May 11, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany teamed up with Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to hold their second food distribution event. The next food event for the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany will be on May 19th in Fort Plain. More information about the various food distribution events can be found on the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany website. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
A healthcare worker gets a sample from a patient at a COVID-19 testing site behind Warren County Municipal Center on Thursday, May 7, 2020 in Queensbury, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Nurses and staff from St. Peter's Health Partners line South Manning Boulevard outside St. Peter's Hospital where they held a candle lighting ceremony in celebration of National Nurses Month on Wednesday night, May, 6, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. A similar event was held at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. Organizers hope that the ceremony shows that healthcare workers can serve as a guiding light through the COVID-19 pandemic. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
Rojay Ragbeer, left, an employee of CK Cycles, checks for a leak in a tire on Mary Jo Conover's bicycle in the parking lot of the bike shop on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. Employees of the shop are meeting customers in the parking lot to take their bikes in for repairs. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Rev. Scott VanDerveer is seen offering prayers for the memory of one of his parishioners who just died of COVID-19 from outside The Pines at Catskill Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation on Friday, May 1, 2020 in Catskill, N.Y. He then prayed for all the staff and residents of the facility, blessing the whole building and everyone inside. He was capturing everything on video to post on his parishes Facebook page. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Tahlia Hadley, chaplain, St. Peter's Health Partners, left, and Aloysius Kabunga, manager spiritual care for St. Peter's Health Partners stand inside St. Peter's Hospital where they work on Friday, May 1, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Protesters gather outside the state Capitol on Friday to decry Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to close businesses in New York in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Steve Hughes / Times Union
Ellis Hospital health care worker Sam Westbrook is seen getting a sample from a person at a coronavirus testing site at the Washington Irving Education Center on Wednesday, Tuesday, April 29, 2020 in Schenectady, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
People are tested at the new Ellis McClellan Street campus COVID-19 testing site on Monday, April 27, 2020, in Schenectady, N.Y. Schenectady opened its first mobile testing sites this week. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
When the COVID-19 pandemic closed school buildings across New York state, a chain reaction took place that affected school-age children. Students had to quickly adapt to remote learning, figure out if their Wi-Fi connection would be suitable to connect with teachers, and face the challenge of not being able to see friends and family. On a much more basic level, students and families had to figure out where meals would be coming from daily. To assist with that need, staff members at Averill Park Central School District have come together to form a food service and delivery program. Now a full month into the closure of school buildings, APCSD is making roughly 2,500 meals per week, including 1,250 breakfasts and 1,250 lunches. "We are still required to follow the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program meal pattern, so the meals consist of the same components that are offered in school," APCSD Director of Food Services, Colleen Wise, said. "Each breakfast includes whole grains, milk, juice and fruit. Lunches include whole grains, meat or a meat alternative, such as cheese or yogurt, fruit, vegetables, and milk."
When the COVID-19 pandemic closed school buildings across New York state, a chain reaction took place that affected school-age children. Students had to quickly adapt to remote learning, figure out if their Wi-Fi connection would be suitable to connect with teachers, and face the challenge of not being able to see friends and family. On a much more basic level, students and families had to figure out where meals would be coming from daily. To assist with that need, staff members at Averill Park Central School District have come together to form a food service and delivery program. Now a full month into the closure of school buildings, APCSD is making roughly 2,500 meals per week, including 1,250 breakfasts and 1,250 lunches. "We are still required to follow the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program meal pattern, so the meals consist of the same components that are offered in school," APCSD Director of Food Services, Colleen Wise, said. "Each breakfast includes whole grains, milk, juice and fruit. Lunches include whole grains, meat or a meat alternative, such as cheese or yogurt, fruit, vegetables, and milk."
Members of the community drop off donations as Northway Church Partners with Veterans Community and Housing Coalition to Feed Homeless Veterans on Friday, April 24, 2020 in Clifton Park, N.Y. Donations will go directly to the Vet House which provides beds to homeless veterans as well as distributed to vets and families in permanent supportive housing. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Advocates calling for the release of medically vulnerable prisoners because of the pandemic, honk their car horns as they held a protest outside the New York State Executive Mansion on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
A customer gets a bottled water from Roy's Caribbean Restaurant food truck next to West Capitol Park as their season begins on Monday, April 20, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, food trucks will be separated from one-another by at least ten feet and have to comply with all other social distancing requirements. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren
Teachers and staff from Sheridan Preparatory Academy drive in a parade to show how much they miss their students on Friday, April 17, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy and County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen announced the opening of three walk-up COVID-19 test sites including this one at the Capital South Campus Center on Thursday, April 16, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. An appointment is required at the sites. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy and County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen announced the opening of three walk-up COVID-19 test sites including this one at the Capital South Campus Center on Thursday, April 16, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. An appointment is required at the sites. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Volunteer Maya Lewis from Watervliet places a watermelon into a food box as she and other volunteers prepared the boxes that would then be handed out to those in need during a mass food distribution on Thursday, April 16, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The event is part of the Catholic Charities’ mobile outreach program. Catholic Charities teamed up with the Regional Food Bank to get food to those in need in the City of Albany. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Volunteers from the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks assist Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York members in distributing food to Saratoga County residents during a drive-through food pantry event on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks in Mechanicville, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
Quick Response technician Austin Connors uses an electrostatic sprayer to disinfect firefighters gear and their fire truck at Knickerbacker Ice Arena on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 in Troy, N.Y. Quick Response was disinfecting Rensselaer County police cars, fire trucks and ambulances for free to help during the coronavirus outbreak. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Picnic tables and benches are covered with caution tape to deter people from gathering in Powers Park due to the coronavirus on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 in Troy, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Governor Andrew Cuomo helps unload a ventilator at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday, April 12, 2020, in Niskayuna, N.Y. The state was returning ventilators that the center had loaned out to help fill the need of ventilators during the pandemic. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Governor Andrew Cuomo talks with staff at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center through a closed window on Sunday, April 12, 2020, in Niskayuna, N.Y. Governor Cuomo was at the center to thank them for the ventilators they loaned the state during the pandemic. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks at a press event at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday, April 12, 2020, in Niskayuna, N.Y. The state was returning ventilators that the center had loaned out to help fill the need of ventilators during the pandemic. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Tianna Pettinger of East Greenbush, left, and her daughters Ellienna, 9, and Marianna, 12, right, watch as the Easter Bunny rides on a firetruck through East Greenbush neighborhoods on Friday, April 10, 2020 in East Greenbush, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
The Easter Bunny rides on a firetruck through East Greenbush neighborhoods on Friday, April 10, 2020 in East Greenbush, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A sign thanking CDTA drivers is seen on a tree along New Scotland Ave. on Friday, April 10, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Pedestrians are seen wearing a protective mask as they walk down a sidewalk along State St. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Annabelle Carroll, who suffers from autism, is delighted at the sight of surprise parade thrown by friends and well wishers to celebrate her eleventh birthday on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, on Sycamore Street in Albany, N.Y. An Albany fire truck and several Albany police cars led the parade. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
From left, Kevin O'Connor, Albany County director of Economic Development, Conservation and Planning, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, and Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen unveil a $100k consultant's report during a press conference on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The report states why the county should create a new economic development office and local development corporation. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Schenectady City Councilwoman Marion Porterfield, background, speaks with employees of Mohawk Ambulance after prayers were said outside the ambulance garage for the workers and the patients they care for on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Schenectady, N.Y. A group of religious leaders and members of their congregations along with Schenectady City Councilwoman Marion Porterfield held a vehicle caravan on Sunday visiting first responder locations. At each site one pastor and one member of their congregation got out and prayed. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
BJ Aviza, a volunteer at The Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, is seen carrying food to her car at the shelter on Monday, April 6, 2020 in Menands, N.Y. For those who are ill or in self-isolation and live in Albany, Rensselaer or Saratoga County, the Society can deliver food. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Work continues as a COVID-19 drive-through testing site is set up at the University at Albany on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The testing site will start up on Monday and is only for those who make appointments beforehand. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Tammy Ogden, a senior recreation therapist in the department of psychiatry at Albany Med, poses for a photo outside the hospital on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Christine Murphy is seen serving customers in their car out of the Snowman-to-go trailer parked behind the main ice cream stand on Friday, April 3, 2020 in Troy, N.Y. Her husband and owner of Snowman, John Murphy, carefully set up everything to deal with social distancing but was forced to close when people ignored the safeguards. He's allowing pre-ordered pickup and trying to figure out how to reopen. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Molly Sky, 4, stands wither her mother Alexa, left, as they wave to Watervliet School District teachers and staff during a caravan parade through the city on Friday, April 3, 2020, in Watervliet, N.Y. Students and family members came to their doorsteps to reconnect with school staff members following the coronavirus lockdown. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
Watervliet School District teachers and staff members wave to students and family while taking part in a caravan parade through the city to reconnect with students during the coronavirus lockdown on Friday, April 3, 2020, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
A helipad is surrounded by barriers in a parking lot on the Hackett Blvd. side of St. Peter's Hospital on Friday, April 3, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Dr. Pamela Reppert, left, checks the ears of Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as Veterinarian Assistant Tracy Powell holds her outside Saratoga Springs Veterinary Hospital on Thursday April 2, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The animal hospital set up a fenced in fresh air veterinary care examining room outside their building and had the animal's human stay inside their car. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
FULL STORY: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Saratoga-Springs-veterinarian-creates-outdoor-15174808.php
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Volunteers including Mayor Bill Keeler, left, and organizer Theresa Bourgeois, right, help Cohoes residents in need of food as they pick up bags of groceries from their cars at the Emergency Food Distribution at the Cohoes Visitors Center on Thursday April 2, 2020 in Cohoes, N.Y. The people picking up food were in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A sign warning people how to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus is posted at a Washington Avenue Capitol entrance on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The Capitol complex has been closed to visitors during the outbreak. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
Columbia High School seniors, from left, Julia Poitras, 18, Brady Hoffman, 18, Jessica Vorst, 17, and Ella Conway practice social distancing as they meet up in the school's parking lot on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 in East Greenbush.
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A rainbow made of fabric is seen on a porch of a home on Rt. 20 on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 in Stottville, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A view of the first non-hospital testing site for COVID-19 at Community Care Physicians on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Latham, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Susan Dunckel, owner of Sweet Sue's Copper Pot, applies a vanilla buttercream icing to a four inch round pound cake on Monday, March 30, 2020, in Troy, N.Y. Dunckel began selling the cakes made to look like a roll of toilet paper on Saturday and Monday was the first day she began filling all the orders. Becky Kendall, background, a recruited baker that Dunckel has brought in to help fill the orders. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Campsites are closed for the season at Thompson's Lake State Park Campground on Monday, March 30, 2020, in New Scotland, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
A Gulf gas sign displays a price of $2.17 per gallon for regular gas with cash payment on Monday, March 30, 2020 in Colonie, N.Y. Gasoline prices in the Capital Region are down nearly 30 cents a gallon from a month ago, according to AAA Fuel Gauge reports. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A sign is seen on a car that was in a caravan with District Attorney candidate Matt Toporowski as he threw bottles of hand sanitizer to people outside the New York State Capitol as he campaigns on Friday, March 27, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, left, and Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen hold a press conference to discuss coronavirus in Albany County on Sunday, March 29, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Members of Albany Police Athletic League (PAL) including Leonard Ricchiuti, Jr., executive director, deliver bags of cheer to some of the homebound seniors at St. VincentÕs Apartments on Friday, March 27, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. They're also delivering to Holy Wisdom and St. SophiaÕs, and the South Mall Towers. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Department of Recreation employees Casey Craig, left, and Johnny White post signs on the basketball equipment at Washington Park informing the public not to use them on Friday, March 27, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. They told young men who were there alone they were fine. The city is discouraging groups of people playing basketball or other sports that involve close contact. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
J.C. Glindmyer, owner of Earthworld comics, waits on the curb for two customers to drive up on Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Glindmyer started doing curbside delivery to customers on Wednesday, the day new releases come out. He said that customers should email the shop or reach out through the shop's Facebook page or Instagram account to place an order. Glindmyer said that he opened the comic book store in 1983 and is just trying to get comics into the hands of his customers as they are staying home. The shop will be doing curbside delivery till 6pm on Friday and 5pm and Saturday, then customers should check the website or Facebook page for information on what days they will be open next week. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Shaker Road Elementary first-grader Kennedy Pielo, 7, holds a sign in support of school staff during a school parade on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at the corner of Albany Shaker Road at Osborne in Colonie, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
Olivia Dunn Jimmy Taylor are pictured with their baby daughter, Rosalind Olga Taylor, on Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. New parenthood has been bittersweet for Olivia and Jimmy Ñ they're head over heels for their new baby girl, but heartbroken that their parents have not been able to hold or be near their first grandchild. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Will Waldron/Times Union
Emma Sawyer, left, general manager of Savoy, volunteers with the Feed Albany program in front of the restaurant Savoy on Lark St. Wednesday, March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y Feed Albany is a COVID-19 relief program to help people in need such as restaurant workers who are unemployed due to the coronavirus. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
The Times Union Center displays messages relating to the coronavirus in between concert advertising on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y #518RAINBOWHUNT refers to hundreds of local families and businesses that are spreading joy in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak by displaying rainbows in their windows or front yards. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
People keep their social distance while standing in line for the food pantry at Saint Vincent DePaul Parish Center on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Employees from Upstate Pressure Cleaning sanitize and disinfect a CDTA bus stop enclosure along Western Ave. on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y They were cleaning all the CDTA bus stops. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Douglas Estadt, owner of Capital Distillery, talks to customers Dave Catalfamo of Albany and his sister Dori Parla of Connecticut who were looking to buy vodka and hand sanitizer on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. Dave and Dori were taking care of their elderly father who is a WWll veteran. Doug has been making hand sanitizer with the "tails" left over when he distills vodka, adding tea tree oil and lavender as well as aloe vera gel. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Mary Bon, minister of music at The First Church in Albany, makes her way past worshipers in vehicles on her way to the pulpit during a drive-in service on Sunday, March 22, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The church usually begins their drive-in services in May but started them early to give people a place to go for Sunday service where they can still be isolated from each other. Senior minister Mashona Walston said that she plans to continue the services, holding them every Sunday at 10:30am. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
East Greenbush Supervisor Jack Conway stands in an empty part of town hall on Monday, March 23, 2020, in East Greenbush, N.Y. East Greenbush has closed it's parks and almost all town hall workers are working from home. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Police tape is used to mark off playground equipment at the Seventh Street Park on Monday, March 23, 2020, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
The Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services distributed personal protection equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizer to nursing home facilities, senior facilities, medical support staff and emergency responders this past weekend March 22, 2020.
Provided
Tents set up for COVID-19 screening are seen behind Samaritan Albany Memorial Hospital on Friday, Mar. 20, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Jenn March, Special to the Times Union)
Jenn March/Jenn March Photography
A view of the empty lot at the temporarily closed Macy's store in Colonie Center on Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Exterior of the coronavirus testing tent in the rear parking lot at Albany Medical Center on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
People line up outside of Trader Joe's before they open for the day on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Colonie, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, left, Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, second from left, Deputy Minority Leader, Joseph Griffo, and Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan hold a Senate session on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. All the other senators voted remotely so as not to be in the chamber next to each other due to the corona virus. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Trader Joe's employee Sophia Therodorou dispenses hand sanitizer to customers as they enter Trader Joe's on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Colonie, N.Y. The store was letting 50 people in at a time. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Almost every cart had toilet paper in it as customers leave BJ's Wholesale Club on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Colonie, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
An electronic sign with the message "stay home, stop the spread" is seen southbound on Rt. 787 on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The sign also rotated with the message "save lives, #flattenthecurve." (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
A sign is posted on the front door of The Fresh Market on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Lathem, N.Y. The sign asks for customers to reserve the first hour between 8 A.M. to 9 A.M. for seniors and other customers who are at risk. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
YWCA staff members Shara Branon-Bender, left, Angelina Jones, second from right, and Rick Rivera, right, help bring in food to the YWCA delivered by Pete Borys, in truck, of the Food Pantries for the Capital District on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in Troy, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
The Capital Region — and the rest of New York — have been under a stay-at-home order to fight the spread of COVID-19 for two months but Phase 1 of the reopening for this region began on Wednesday, May 20.
Phase 1
On Wednesday, the following businesses are approved to reopen:
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Delivery and curbside pick-up service only for the following businesses: clothing stores; electronics and appliance stores; electronic shopping and mail-order houses; furniture and home furnishing stores; florists; general merchandise stores; health and personal care stores; jewelry, luggage and leather goods stores; lawn and garden equipment and supplies stores; office supplies, stationery, and gift stores; used merchandise stores; shoe stores; sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument and book stores.
Apparel manufacturing; computer and electronic product manufacturing; electric lighting equipment manufacturing; fabricated metal product manufacturing; furniture and related product manufacturing; leather and allied product manufacturing; machinery manufacturing; nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing; paper manufacturing; petroleum and coal products manufacturing; plastics and rubber products manufacturing; printing and related support activities; textile mills; textile product mills; wood product manufacturing.
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Apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers; chemical and allied products merchant wholesalers; furniture and home furnishing merchant wholesalers; household appliances and electrical and electronic goods merchant wholesalers; machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers; metal and mineral (except petroleum) merchant wholesalers; paper and paper product merchant wholesalers; professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers; wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers; miscellaneous durable goods merchant wholesalers; miscellaneous nondurable goods merchant wholesalers.
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting :
Other animal production, other crop production, support activities for animal production, support activities for crop production, support activities for forestry.
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Phase 2
The second phase of reopening begins June 3, two weeks from Wednesday, unless the region's control room, a panel of local leaders who will examine local data on testing, infections and hospitalization rates, determines the virus is once again spreading at a dangerous rate.
During the second phase, the following businesses could reopen:
Professional services, financial and insurance services, retail, administrative support, real estate and rental leasing.
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Phase 3
The third phase of the reopening would begin on June 17, four weeks from Wednesday, if the control room finds testing, infections and hospitalization rates remain at a manageable level.
During the third phase, the following businesses could reopen:
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Restaurants for sitd0wn dining, food services, and hotels.
Phase 4
The fourth phase of the reopening would begin July 1, six weeks from Wednesday, if the control room continues to find testing, infections and hospitalization rates remain at a manageable level.
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During the fourth phase, the following businesses could reopen:
Arts, entertainment, and recreational facilities.
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