COVID-19 cases keep increasing locally, as a second wave strikes New York and a third wave of coronavirus touches much of the United States. Lauren Stanforth reports for the Times Union that the Van Rensselaer Manor nursing home now has 10 residents and 14 employees who also have tested positive for the virus. Overall, Rensselaer County announced six new cases on Oct. 18. Rensselaer County officials blocked a state Health Department inspection team from the same nursing home Sept. 30, claiming the inspectors wouldn't provide proof they had tested negative for COVID-19. It was the second time during the pandemic that Rensselaer County officials blocked state inspectors from checking conditions in the nursing home. Meanwhile in Albany County, the Times Union reported three new COVID-19 hospitalizations Oct. 17, bringing the total to 12. And the Times Union also reported that members of the New York State Nurses Association protested Oct. 18, with demands that Albany Medical Center better protect nurses and patients. "They're not talking to nurses who are on the floor day-to-day dealing with patients. They are talking to nurse managers," Corey Ellis, political director of NYSNA, said of Albany Med. "And they refuse to collaborate and be transparent during this pandemic." Gov. Andrew Cuomo, meanwhile, announced movie theatres outside of New York City and ski resorts would be allowed to open beginning this week, with limited capacities.