Columbia County Board of Health Update

As of 3 PM on April 29, 2020:

– Columbia County has had 13 community members that have passed away from COVID-19
-175 positive cases of COVID-19
-88 of the 175 cases have recovered from COVID-19
– 15 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 5 of those hospitalized are in the ICU
-We have received 1,279 test results completed for Columbia County residents
-141 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 16 under precautionary quarantine

Columbia County Update

FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

COLUMBIA COUNTY WELCOMES PPE DELIVERY

On Tuesday afternoon, Columbia County Emergency Management in conjunction with the County Facilities Department and Sheriff’s Office staff retrieved a shipment of medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the New York State stockpile that included medical gloves, masks, and face shields, Emergency Management Director David W. Harrison, Jr., reported Wednesday.

“The shipment is being separated and delivered today and tomorrow to eligible agencies: CMH, Emergency Services, Nursing Homes, etc.,” Harrison said.

“More PPE is still needed and medical PPE will continue to be an important part of the COVID-19 effort. I believe we are in a somewhat better position than a month ago, since some agencies are reporting that their usual suppliers are now providing limited amounts from orders placed previously. It’s my understanding, however, that many agencies are still far from having the amounts of PPE needed.”

CHAIRMAN EXTENDS COUNTY BUILDING CLOSURE TO THE PUBLIC

Remaining consistent with New York State guidelines, Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell announced Wednesday that the closure of public county buildings has been extended through May 15. “We will revisit this in May, as we all continue to look forward to the day when things return more to what we’ve known in the past,” Murell said.

NEW FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Columbia County has received new monetary donations toward the purchase of additional coronavirus testing kits, Chairman Murell said Wednesday. Prior donations from the public amounted to $29,135, he said. Since then, a total of $270 has been donated: $100 from Fran Lubow; $150 from Lendon & James Kuhns; and $20 from Gigi Giacomara. “It’s heartening to see this type of commitment from citizens in our fight against COVID-19. The money is very helpful as we look to do as much testing as possible in the county,” Murell said.

DONATION INFORMATION Monetary: Monetary donations intended for the purchase of coronavirus testing kits and 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 be Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman sent to the Columbia County Controller’s Office, 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534. All money received is being placed in a dedicated account.

PPE: 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 518-828-1212. If no one answers, leave a message and someone will return the call. Food: Donations should be directed to the county Office for the Aging (518-828-4258) and local food pantries. 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/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diycloth-face-coverings.html 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. Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts is offering free mask kits. Those seeking to acquire a kit are advised to order online for curbside pickup. The Greenport store telephone number is 518-828-2621. Current store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A

VAILABLE SERVICES

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.columbiacountynyhealth.com/home/coronavirus-covid-19 or their Facebook page @: https://www.facebook.com/Columbia-County-Department-of-Health-469399129790791/. The state’s coronavirus website, with up-to-the-minute information, can be located at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home. 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.