ALBANY — As things begin to open up again, county teens are asked to show off creative ways to enjoy life and stay safe.
“It’s important to remind people that we are not simply going back to business as usual. In order to keep people safe and healthy, we need to adapt to the new norm,” said County Executive Dan McCoy. “That means we must continue to practice social distancing, wear face coverings, avoid mass gatherings and practice a level of self-isolation until we have a widely available vaccine.”
This week’s “#AlbanyCountyStaySafe” challenge to teens from 13-18 is “Move It!” to demonstrate how they are staying physically fit while maintaining social distancing and other protocols. The deadline is Saturday, May 23 at 11:59 p.m.
Each week through July 11 McCoy will post a new theme on his Instagram account with the deadline the following Saturday at 11:59 p.m.
The post should be examples of creative ways to have fun and stay productive, either indoors or outdoors while following proper social distancing and mass gathering guidelines. They should be hash-tagged, “#AlbanyCountyStaySafe.”
The #AlbanyCountyStaySafe Social Media Challenge, the second such program in the country, is in partnership with AT&T, the Albany Police Athletic League and New York Giants running back Dion Lewis. The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of social distancing and wearing masks out in public, staying home as much as possible, and above all else, staying safe, while still having fun.
Teens are targeted, McCoy said, because while they do not run a risk of serious illness from the virus, they can still carry it and infect those more vulnerable — the elderly and those with underlying health issues.
“Our new normal is a challenge to all of us. I grew up in Albany and was always active in team sports from Albany Pop Warner to playing football in high school, college and now the NFL,” Lewis said. “I can’t imagine how hard it must be for all of the young adults out there to be at home, not play sports, not socialize in person with all of their friends. As an athlete I find it hard not to be able to go to a gym or facility and work out. I have come up with creative ways to achieve my workout at home. I know the kids out there in the capital district can share some of their creative ways to keep moving, keep healthy and remain positive and safe.”
There will be 20 randomly selected winners each week who will receive $25 gift cards to local businesses from around the county.
All Instagram posts must be tagged with “#AlbanyCountyStaySafe.” Weekly winners will be direct messaged a link to complete the winner’s form. #AlbanyCountyStaySafe is designed and implemented by the Albany Police Athletic League. All prizes and awards are funded by AT&T.