Across the country there were over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in the United States Dec. 9. As New York State reported 10,000 new coronavirus cases the same day, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed ditching the COVID aid to state and local governments in exchange for dropping a proposed shield against lawsuits for COVID-related negligence. Democrats in the House passed more pandemic stimulus funds months ago, but McConnell alone has not allowed any vote in the Senate. A $916 billion bill is currently being discussed and Albany County Executive Dan McCoy wants to make sure the state and local funding is included in whatever the Senate passes. “We need this bailout just as much as everyone else does,” McCoy said, warning that without support going forward, layoffs could be possible within six months. “We all have our own issues.” Albany County reported 186 new COVID-19 cases, and one new death on Dec. 9. Rensselaer County announced 84 new COVID-19 cases Dec. 9, another single-day record. Rensselaer County has set new single day records five of the nine days so far in December. Ulster County added 83 new cases Dec. 9, topping 1,500 active cases. Dutchess County added 147 new cases Dec. 9, topping 1,100 active cases. Greene County announced seven new COVID-19 cases, and there were 18 more new coronavirus cases reported Dec. 9 in Columbia County. Cairo-Durham High School has another case, and that school is going all-remote through Jan. 4.