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4/21/20 Columbia County Update
Update from the Columbia County Health Department
As of 2 PM on April 21, 2020
-Columbia County has had 12 community members that have passed away from COVID-19
-124 positive cases of COVID-19
-56 of the 124 cases have recovered from COVID-19
– 9 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 3 of those are in the ICU
-We have received 934 test results completed for Columbia County residents
– 121 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 10 under precautionary quarantine
-There are 0 residents with suspected, not tested cases
For further clarity of the information we share please see below:
The data we share pertains to individuals who have positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed by test results (aside from the suspected, not tested).
The information we get comes from an NYSDOH database that distributes test results for residents to counties based on their address provided at time of testing. This means that results of Columbia County residents who get tested outside of the county and other county residents who get tested here all reach the Department of Health of their home county through the NYSDOH database.
Additionally, those deemed “recovered” are residents who have tested positive, have endured their required isolation and are well enough to end their isolation.
Below you can find the breakdown of confirmed, positive cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County as of Friday, 4/17. We will be sharing this information each Friday afternoon.
By learning the towns of positive cases we don’t want anyone to feel a sense of false confidence that the virus is not in their community. In order to slow the spread, we need to stay vigilant on prevention measures no matter where the positive, confirmed cases reside.
Ancram- 4
Canaan- 1
Chatham- 4
Copake- 4
Livingston- 3
Germantown- 4
Ghent- 14
Hillsdale- 6
Hudson- 18
Greenport- 5
Kinderhook- 11
Claverack- 2
New Lebanon- 3
Stockport- 1
Clermont- 1
Pine Haven Residents- 26
Livingston Hills- 1
We still strongly recommend that everyone treat each and every person you see like they are COVID-19 positive by practicing social distancing, proper hand hygiene, avoid touching your face and common surfaces, and most importantly STAY HOME until absolutely necessary to leave. By learning the towns’ positive cases we don’t want anyone to feel a sense of false confidence that the virus is not in their community. In order to slow the spread, we need to stay vigilant on these prevention measures no matter where the positive, confirmed cases reside.
Social distancing continues to be a priority for the community’s health. Prevent the spread by staying home, staying 6ft away from everyone, and understanding that commonly touched items ARE a possible means for the virus to transmit from person-to-person. Do not touch your face, sanitize these surfaces frequently and STAY HOME to protect those who cannot.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
From: Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell
HEALTH DEPARTMENT EYES RECEIPT OF TESTING KITS
As the Columbia County Health Department anticipates the delivery of COVID-19 testing kits, Director Jack Mabb said Tuesday that he and DOH staff continue to examine ways in which to best conduct the drive-through clinics the department plans to hold, along with whether these clinics should target a certain segment of our population.
2,000 testing kits have been ordered, and DOH officials have been notified that it appears “1,500 of that order are in the pipeline. The additional 500 are in a second order.” Following receipt, the county will begin preparing by appointment only drive-through clinics. Further information on the clinics will be announced when they are scheduled, Mabb said.
Describing himself as “excited about the opportunity to do more testing within the county,” Mabb said he recognized that more testing will bring its own challenges. When testing does indeed happen on a larger scale, he expects the current number of 123 in-county positive cases “to increase. How do we handle the influx of positive cases, which will come under mandatory isolation, that will come with increased testing? This is the type of thing we continue to look at.”
When someone is in mandatory isolation, someone from the department must visit their home every day to verify their presence, Mabb said. “We don’t go into the home, but instead we call them from the driveway and visually verify they are home. We need to see them in their home.”
NEW YORK STATE TESTING
Director Mabb said that while county DOH has fielded calls regarding the recent random testing done by New York State DOH, it had no connection to local testing efforts.
“We heard that the state had 3,000 antibody testing kits. They came in under the cloak of darkness in various locations to try to get a random sampling – they wanted to see how prevalent the virus is across the state. By the time anyone knew they were there, they were gone. The list of testing sites came out well after testing had begun. We had no control over where state DOH went,” Mabb said.
FINANCIAL DONATIONS
Columbia County continues to receive monetary donations toward the purchase of additional coronavirus testing kits, Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said Tuesday.
Previously, the County had received $26,150 in donations from the public to be applied toward the coronavirus fight, he said.
Since then, a total of $2,135 has been donated: $200 from Berton and Stephanie Poucher; $35 from Arthur Kaufman; Joseph Ahern, $400; $1,000 from Tony Jones; and $500 from Amy and Brad Barr.
“We couldn’t be more appreciative for the donation of these funds. The money has been very helpful as we look to do as much testing as possible in the county,” Murell said.
INFORMATION FOR DONATIONS
MONETARY: Those wishing to make donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, face shields, and gowns, are advised to contact the Emergency Management Office at 518-8281212. If no one answers, leave a message and someone will return the call.
MASKS: Those interested in donating masks should contact Austerlitz Town Supervisor and county Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Rob Lagonia at [email protected]. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s five or 100, we need every one,” said Lagonia, who recommends that those wishing to help out with mask donations consult CDC guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/
Currently, Ocean State Job Lot stores are offering free fabric for use in the construction of masks in a “Mask Fabric For Free” campaign. Visit any Ocean State location for the fabric, which is said to be of a high-quality cotton/polyester blend available in two sizes. Further information is available on the Ocean State Job Lot website.
FOOD: donations should be directed to the county Office for the Aging (518-828-4258) and local food pantries. Monetary donations intended for the purchase of much-needed equipment for emergency responders, medical personnel, and others on the front lines of the coronavirus fight are advised to send a check in care of Columbia County, with coronavirus noted in the memo field. The check can be sent to the Columbia County Controller’s Office, 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534. All money received is being placed in a dedicated account.
REMINDER OF SERVICES AVAILABLE
Family Assistance Network: As part of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Columbia County Emergency Management has asked leaders in the human services and spiritual areas of our community for help, Director of Emergency Management David W. Harrison, Jr., said Saturday. The individuals were asked to form a Family Assistance Network to provide information to assist county residents who may be dealing with someone close to them who passed away as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
Information on where someone can reach out for help is posted on various websites, including the Columbia County website and Emergency Management Facebook page.
Hotline For Elderly And Vulnerable : Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett has established a hotline for the elderly and vulnerable in our county, including those with medical conditions or are disabled, who would welcome a deputy checking on their well-being on a daily basis. The number for the hotline is 518-828-0601, extension 1400.
SELF-ISOLATION
Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell continues to urge anyone migrating from outside Columbia County to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival. “Everyone should consider they are a carrier of the coronavirus,” said Murell.
DISCLAIMER
It is the county’s intention to issue accurate information regarding the coronavirus situation under conditions that can change by the minute. For the most up-to-date, accurate information, visit the County Department of Health’s website at https://www.
The county will issue a daily press release on the coronavirus situation every afternoon at 4. The releases can be found on the Columbia County website and the Facebook pages of the Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Health, and the Emergency Management Office.
Columbia County Emergency Management
Family Assistance Network (FAN)
The purpose of this group is to provide emotional, spiritual and logistical support for residents who have non-health related COVID 19 related needs. Support providers for the FAN include spiritual leaders
of religions and denominations and mental health professionals.
Emotional/Mental Health Support
Columbia County Department of Human Services/Mental Health Center:
Phone: 518-828-9446
Website: www.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm
24/7 crisis line; Counseling services for children and adults offered remotely (telephone or video sessions); Care Coordination services for adults and children offered remotely; website resources
Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT) of the Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene Counties, Inc.
Phone: 518-943-5555
Website: www.mhacg.org/mcat-
Hours: 7 days/week 8am-10pm
Crisis counseling offered remotely; referrals to local services; wellness checks offered remotely
Spiritual Support
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division
Phone: 518-828-1212
Hours: 24/7 (leave a message if necessary and someone will call back)
Comprehensive computerized directory of Columbia County worship sites and religious leaders.
Overcomes Ministries w/GOD Belongs in our County
Phone: 515-604-9094 Access Code: 425879573 Toll Free Prayer Line
Hours: Daily 7-9am; 5-9pm
Faith leaders from across the County will be available to provide support for anyone who wants to reach out. Group reflections, compassionate prayers, encouragement to go through this with verses that build courage and strength, referrals for 1:1 pastoral care; partnering with the Emergency Operation Center.
Logistical Support
Columbia County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Phone: 518-828-1212
Hours: 24/7 (leave a message if necessary, and someone will call back)
Assistance obtaining information for a family member of someone who passed away during the COVID-19 crisis in Columbia County; assistance with contacting a local Funeral Home; assistance with contacting a County Coroner; assistance with determining the location of a deceased loved one; assistance with moving required documents that need signatures, between the person making arrangements for a deceased loved one and a local Funeral Home if no transportation is available.
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