Two of the state's new micro-cluster qualifiers are already a source of concern for some Capital Region health workers. Nurses at Albany Medical Center began a one-day strike this morning after complaining of unsafe staffing levels and the need to reuse personal protective equipment.

Members of The New York State Nurses Association made this announcement last week. They also accused the hospital of moving patients between floors, without COVID-19 test results.

Albany Med Administrators released a statement in response, calling the union's claims "preposterous." Hospital management continued, saying NYSNA officials raised no issue over PPE before the recent collapse of negotiations between themselves and the hospital.

NYSNA officials say nurses are prepared to strike for 24 hours straight. Contract negotiations are currently deadlocked between the two parties.

Hospital officials responded Tuesday afternoon.