• Columbia County has had 37 residents who have passed away from COVID-19.
• Columbia County has had 528 confirmed positive cases.
• 441 of the 528 cases have recovered from COVID-19
• There are 4 new cases
• There are 10 active cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County.

• 4 of the positive cases are hospitalized, but none of those hospitalized are in the ICU

• We are monitoring 45 county residents on mandatory quarantine, and there are 4 on precautionary quarantine.

• We have received 22,025 PCR reports. Please note this number may represent duplicate reports, out of county reports, and multiple nursing home testings.

Monday, August 17, 2020

CHAIRMAN’S PRESS RELEASE

BOWLING ALLEYS OKAYED TO OPEN

Beginning today, New York State has approved the opening of bowling alleys with a 50% capacity restriction. Masks must be worn, and every other lane would need to be closed. Bowlers must stay at the lane of their group. In addition, the alleys will be allowed to serve food and alcohol, but staff must deliver orders to bowlers at their lanes. The bowling center must rigorously clean and disinfect any rented or shared equipment, such as bowling balls and bowling shoes, between each use. Any event held at the facility must be limited to the current Capital Region social gathering restriction of 50. The centers have also been advised by the state to encourage patron/player visits by reservation only, where practicable, and to consider taking steps to reduce interpersonal contact and congregation. Those measures might include setting aside specific times to allow for enhanced cleaning and disinfection, implementing sign-up policies for play at designated times, and encouraging players to use their own equipment. “As we have said all along, we welcome the ability of businesses to begin the process of getting back on their feet. At the same time, I’d like to remind everyone that the work we all have done in our lives to help minimize the spread of the virus needs to continue – it’s no time to let up now. If you choose to patronize a bowling alley, please wear a mask and respect social distancing guidelines, as you would anywhere else,” said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell. Chairman Murell added that guidance is expected today from Governor Cuomo on the reopening of gyms.

TESTING CLINICS SCHEDULE

Columbia County Health Department Director Jack Mabb has announced future COVID-19 testing clinics for Mondays, August 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. 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.

COUNTY STILL ACCEPTING MASK DONATIONS

Those wishing to donate cloth masks to the county stockpile may contact the county Emergency Management office at 518-828-1212 or [email protected]. Or Supervisor Rob Lagonia at [email protected]

OTHER 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.

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 press release on the coronavirus situation Monday, and Thursdays. 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.