Columbia County Department of Health Update

As of 3 PM on April 24, 2020:

– Columbia County has had 13 community members that have passed away from COVID-19
-142 positive cases of COVID-19
-72 of the 142 cases have recovered from COVID-19
– 11 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 3 of those hospitalized are in the ICU
-We have received 1,060 test results completed for Columbia County residents
-139 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 19 under precautionary quarantine

From: Columbia County Friday, April 24, 2020

Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell

COUNTY SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT OPEN FOR BUSINESS; BUT ASKS PUBLIC TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS

“We have been extremely busy” during the coronavirus crisis, said Columbia County Solid Waste Department Director Jolene Race on Friday. All County Solid Waste stations are operational with no change in staffing or hours, with the exception of extended hours at the Hillsdale, Livingston, and Germantown stations.

“If you have been diagnosed with the virus, please make sure your garbage is double-bagged and secured tightly, with no loose waste. Wait one week prior to disposing of your garbage at the station. At this time, we ask that you treat your recyclable material as garbage, as studies have shown the virus tends to live on plastic and other surfaces for a longer period of time,” Race said. “If you are self-isolating and have not been diagnosed with the virus, wait a minimum of three days before having someone take it to a station”.

When you arrive at the station, please dispose of the garbage yourself, Race added. There will be attendants available at the stations to direct you as to where the waste and recyclables are to be deposited.

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection event, scheduled for next week, has been canceled and tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, October 31, at the County Highway Garage in Hudson. In addition, the Solid Waste roll-off service is suspended until further notice for clean outs and homeowner renovations.

The Columbia County Solid Waste website can be accessed through www.columbiacountyny.com via the “departments” tab.

“I would like to give a big shout-out to the essential county employees who are keeping this vital service operating. They are performing a difficult job under trying conditions,” said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Columbia County has received new monetary donations toward the purchase of additional coronavirus testing kits, Chairman Murell said Friday. Prior donations from the public amounted to $28,285, he said.

Since then, a total of $850 has been donated: $100 from Mary Anne Cohen; $500 from James & Lanita Kunus; Carl Riskin, $100; $100 from Melvin & Aura Lev; $25 from Jennifer Allison; and $25 from Adam Charbonneau.

“The generosity shown by the public in this fight against the coronavirus has been wonderful. The money is 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 518-828-1212. 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. 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.

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.

REMINDER OF SEVICES 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.columbiacountynyhealth.com/home/coronaviruscovid-19 or their Facebook page @: https://www.facebook.com/Columbia-County-Department-of-Health469399129790791/. 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.

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.columbiacountymhc.com

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-team

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

Website: https://www.facebook.com/columbiacountyemergencymanagementoffice/

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

Website: https://www.facebook.com/columbiacountyemergencymanagementoffice/

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.