Coronavirus

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, 104.5 The Team 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.

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Cuomo Supports Mobile Sports Betting…Finally

The state of gambling in New York has confused me for years now. In a state where you can play the lottery, Quick Draw, scratch-off tickets, and bet horses we couldn't legally bet sports. As a guy that enjoys a wager on games now and then I was thrilled when Rivers Casino and Resort was able to open a sportsbook but still confused as to why mobile betting that has been very lucrative for New Jersey was still banned? Now it appears the governor has decided to stop letting that potential revenue leak into New Jersey and will support mobile sports wagering in his upcoming State of the State address.

Levack

Albany County’s Most Vulnerable Begin To Receive Vaccine

The early stages of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out have begun in Albany County with Nursing Home Residents beginning to receive the Pfizer vaccine. It's no secret that nursing home residents were some of the hardest-hit here in the state of New York. So it's nice to see the elderly in those same nursing homes get the protection they need to survive this second wave.

Levack

Second Stimulus Check Could Be Coming SOON

A $900 billion stimulus package is reportedly days away from passing which would include stimulus relief checks of $600 per person. The long-awaited and bitterly fought over second round of coronavirus relief money from the federal could be here before or just after Christmas.

Levack

WATCH: Front Line Worker First To Get COVID-19 Vaccine In New York

A Front Lineworker named Sandra Lindsay is the first person in the state of New York to receive the Phizer COVID-19 vaccine. Just before 10 am EST today Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced Lindsay, a critical care nurse moments before she received what will be the first of many vaccinations for the COVID-19 virus in New York state.

Levack

Dr Fauci Thinks Sports Stadiums Could Be Packed By 2021 NFL Season

Many sports fans are trying to figure out when they'll be allowed to return stadiums and others are trying to figure when they'll want to return. The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr Anthony Fauci shared his thoughts on that timeline in an interview with Yahoo Sports and the good news is sports fans could achieve "normalcy" in time for the 2021 NFL season.

Levack

UAlbany Men’s Basketball Won’t Play At SEFCU Arena Until December

The latest blow to Capital Region sports thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic has hit the University of Albany Men's Basketball team...again. The current "Full Campus Pause" has shut down practice for the Great Danes and will force the team to cancel the home opener against Marist Red Fox's originally scheduled for November 28th at the SEFCU Arena.

Levack

Siena Women’s Basketball Joins Men’s Program On Pause

The Siena College Women's Basketball team is the latest in a very long list of Capital Region teams forced to pause their activities thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Siena has placed the team on pause after a "Tier 1" member of the program has tested positive for COVID-19.

Levack

Ticketmaster Plans On Requiring Proof Of Vaccine Or Negative Test For Shows

Now that we're hearing that pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has a vaccine close to approval we can start to dream about live events like sports and concerts again. We now have our first sign of how different live shows could be when they return. Ticketmaster is reportedly working on a plan that would require ticket buyers to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from 24 to 72 before admission to a show.

Levack

Union College Makes Tough Decisions About Winter Sports

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to climb as part of a potential second wave many colleges have been forced to make tough decisions, Union College is now one of them. Union College has decided to not participate in intercollegiate competition during the 2020-21 winter season for basketball, indoor track & field and swimming & diving.

Levack

Potential Vaccine For COVID-19 Gives Capital Region Sports Fans Hope

In the midst of what seems to be the reported "second wave" of COVID-19 across the world, there's a glimmer of hope that we could return to life as we knew it sooner than later. With the news that Pfizer believes it has a vaccine that's 90% effective it feels like maybe just maybe we can start to dream about live sporting events again.

Levack

‘Jeopardy!’ Winner Thanks Alex Trebek For Helping Him Learn English As a Child

Burt Thakur used to watch ‘Jeopardy!’ with his grandfather. Now he’s a champ.

Matt Singer

Will This Holiday Family Tradition Be 2020’s Next Victim?

In the Levack Household many holiday season questions were answered by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. When can we put the Christmas tree up? After the parade. When will you look at my Christmas wish list? After the parade? When can I get into all the awesome snacks and treats mom made for Thanksgiving? After the Parade. When will I get to see Santa Clause? At the end of the parade!

Levack