CHAIRMAN’S PRESS RELEASE

COUNTY DOH RECEIVING COVID-19 GRANT

On Wednesday, Columbia County Health Department Director Jack Mabb announced that county DOH has been awarded a New York State grant totaling $266,867, to be distributed over a period of two years. This grant is to be dedicated to staffing related to COVID-19 concerns. “The grant requires us to use these funds to add staff, so we will be expanding our capacity to contact trace and follow COVID-19 positive people. Those are good things,” said Director Mabb.

NEW FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Columbia County has received two new monetary donations toward the purchase of coronavirus testing kits, county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said Wednesday. This week, the county received a donation of $300 from Lorraine Coyne and Oliver Koppell of Ancramdale and the Bronx, and a $200 donation from Charles and Robin Shafran of New York City and Elizaville. The new donations bring the total received to date to $41,875. “The continued outpouring of support from the community to assist the county in the fight against the coronavirus has been inspiring. We thank everyone who has stepped forward,” said Chairman Murell.

TESTING CLINICS SCHEDULE

Columbia County Health Department Director Jack Mabb announced future COVID-19 testing clinics for August on Mondays 17, 24, and 31. The testing will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the John L. Edwards Primary School in Hudson. For July, a clinic is set for the same hours and place will be held on Tuesday 28. The DOH will be limiting the walkup clinics to 50 tests each. It is recommended anyone who would like to be tested get to the clinic as early as possible to ensure they secure one of the 50 tests. Pre-registration will not be necessary for the walkup clinics.

FREE HAND SANITIZER FOR COUNTY BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS

On Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, any municipal or private agency/organization that would like free NYS hand sanitizer can come to the Public Safety Facility (PSF) parking lot at 85 Industrial Tract, Hudson, where they will receive up to two cases (eight gallons) of hand sanitizer per week based upon the size and need of the organization. Small spray bottles of hand sanitizer will also be available. “I would like to remind everyone that the hand sanitizer, which is provided to us by the state, can only be handed out to Columbia County businesses, non-profits, and municipal/governmental agencies,” said county Emergency Management Director Harrison. Those coming to the PSF for hand sanitizer should enter the north entrance (NYS DOT side) of the PSF parking area, and drive to the white “Sheriff’s” utility trailer in front of the building. Emergency Management and Sheriff’s Department staff will dispense the hand sanitizer at that point.

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 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.

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.

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.

DISCLAIMER