Columbia County Update

DOH ADVOCATES PROPER MASK HYGIENE

The use of simple face masks, cloth masks, or bandanas while out in public and closer than six feet from another person is now a requirement in New York State, the Columbia County Health Department reminded county residents on Monday.

“The purpose of using these masks is to protect each other from one another when out in public,” said Chuck Kaiser, county DOH’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. “They provide a barrier from one expelling the virus out into the air and thus infecting other people. Therefore, they can be an effective tool in helping to reduce the spread.”

Kaiser said with that in mind, everyone should be aware of the following guidelines regarding the use of these masks:

1- You should make sure your mask covers both your mouth and your nose.

2- If using a surgical or procedural mask, make sure the metal nose clip is contoured to your nose.

3- Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based (at least 60 percent) hand sanitizer, or soap and water.

4- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it gets wet or becomes soiled. It’s best not to reuse singleuse masks such as surgical, procedural, or paper masks. However, consideration can be made to use one mask for the day and that mask can be reused for a maximum of 4-7 days.

5- Masks can only be reused by the same person and should be kept in a paper (not plastic) bag in between uses. Cloth masks and bandanas should be washed and dried daily. If you sneeze or cough in your mask you should replace it. If a cloth mask, then wash it and wear a different one until dry.

6- Finally, when removing your mask or covering, it should be done from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); handle it by the straps or ties when discarding it or placing it in the storage bag. Clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.

“This guidance should help protect you and others while helping to extend the use of a mask,” Kaiser 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 sent to the Columbia County Controller’s Office, 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534. All money received is being placed in a dedicated account. Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman

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.

AVAILABLE 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.