Columbia County Department of Health Update

8/5/20 COVID-19 Update

As of 3:00 PM on August 5, 2020:

– Columbia County has had 37 residents that have passed away from COVID-19.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

CHAIRMAN’S PRESS RELEASE

IT’S THE VIRUS, NOT THE LOCATION

As the recent news that two July golf outings gave rise to 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County continues to roil the community, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb said Wednesday that what everyone needs to keep in mind is that the golf courses are not the responsible parties.

The golf outings in question were held July 10-11 and July 24. Neither was an organized tournament event and neither golf course was located in Columbia County.

To date, the widespread outbreak has affected four retail outlets and the DOH also reports that there are positive cases in two private daycare settings within the county. Because of the threat of legal exposure and HIPAA regulations, the policy of the county DOH has been and remains to not name places or people when describing where COVID-19 appears.

“This is about behavior, not about the golf courses, stores, daycare operations or anything else,” said Director Mabb.

“The virus is transmitted by people, not by places,” added county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell. “The Department of Health and the Board of Supervisors understand the anxiety felt within the community over this latest outbreak, but we all need to remember that the golf courses, in this case, did not cause the infections. It was the direct result of not practicing social distancing and not wearing a mask following the time spent on the course that led to the outbreak.”

“I think we all have to focus on the fact that the virus is anywhere and everywhere at all times, and we should behave as such. Wear the mask. Practice social distancing,” said Director Mabb, who added that those who think they may be experiencing a summer cold or allergies, act as though it’s COVID-19.

“Think COVID-19 first,” he said. “What’s happening is that people don’t feel great from what they think is a cold or allergies, they go to work, then start to feel worse a few days later, but by then it’s too late. If you are experiencing any symptoms that resemble the virus, get tested and act accordingly.”

Further, said Director Mabb, “The Department of Health is here to help. It is not our intention to needlessly inconvenience anyone. For those who have been placed under mandatory quarantine because of this latest outbreak to berate Department of Health staff is completely uncalled for.

” The 14-day mandatory quarantine policy exists for a reason, added Director Mabb. Someone may get tested for the virus a day or two after they believe they have been exposed, receive a negative result, and think they’re in the clear. That is not necessarily the case, as the virus has exhibited the potential to cause infection up to 14 days following initial exposure.

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.

UPCOMING DRIVE-THRU CLINIC:

Sunday, August 9, 9 a.m. to 12 noon: Ichabod Crane High School, Valatie. Pre-registration is required at https://forms.gle/mngpRnfnPnVjpZee7 A form of photo identification will be required, and a mask is required for entry. These tests will be nasopharyngeal swabs, which are most useful to detect the virus in actively sick people. These are not antibody tests. The kits used at these testing sites are part of those purchased with the help of private donations to Columbia County. After leaving the test site, symptomatic residents should go directly home for mandatory quarantine until results are shared with them. Essential workers should plan on quarantining outside of work and being extremely cautious around those they come into contact with. It may take up to five days to receive the test results. Everyone who gets tested at the site will receive their results once they are processed by Wadsworth Laboratory in Albany.

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