Columbia County Board of Health Update

As of 2 pm, April 11, 2020:

-87 positive cases of COVID-19
-Seven community members have passed away from COVID-19. One additional person has passed at CMH from COVID-19 originating from outside the Twin Counties.
– 32 of the 87 cases have recovered from COVID-19
– 8 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 2 of those are in the ICU
-We have received 607 test results completed for Columbia County residents
– 92 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 23 under precautionary quarantine
-There are 13 residents with suspected, not tested cases

Columbia County Update 

COUNTY CRITICAL OF FEDERAL, STATE RESPONSE

“During daily statewide conference calls, it’s become apparent that many counties are frustrated with the lack of medical emergency Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) deliveries coming from the New York State stockpile,” said Columbia County Director of Emergency Management David W. Harrison, Jr., on Saturday.

“Counties are working to purchase PPE on their own, but vendors differ and the delivery times are extended. In the meantime, as top level NYS and federal officials say there is enough PPE for everyone, the counties are not seeing this and our hospital, nursing homes, emergency services personnel and other healthcare providers are still in great need of PPE,” he said.

Harrison added, “The last very small bulk emergency delivery of medical PPE to Columbia County was on April 1. Our county leadership, which has been strong in their support during this COVID-19 pandemic, is again reaching out to our state and federal representatives to make sure they are aware of what’s really happening on the front line.”

“It’s concerning that our state and federal leaders are saying that there’s plenty of PPE for everyone, when clearly there is not. There’s a disconnect going on somewhere,” added county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell.

COUNTY RESIDENTS FALL SHORT AT SOCIAL DISTANCING

Citing Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports, the County Department of Health on Saturday said the numbers indicate a high population of county residents are still working, many are visiting grocery stores and pharmacies, and many continue to visit others.

“It appears that compliance to social distancing in Columbia County is not very good,” said DOH Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Chuck Kaiser. “Social distancing is still the biggest weapon we have in our arsenal right now.”

“With the religious holiday weekend upon us, it is as important as ever that county residents practice safe social distancing precautions,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell. “Many of us have put in a lot of effort to date to help stop the spread of the coronavirus by keeping our distance, Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman as difficult as that may be at times. Now, while we may be tempted to hold large family gatherings and observe religious services in groups this weekend, we have not yet reached the point where this can be done safely.”

“We understand that people hear this all the time,” Murell added. “We are also aware that some signs seem to be indicating that the impact of the disease on society may be on the decrease. Yet, as I’ve said previously, the reason the transmission of the virus seems to be slowing somewhat is due to social distancing measures. I ask that all of us do so for the well-being of everyone.”

SATURDAY’S STATISTIC

As of Saturday morning, said Director Harrison, New York State had reported that 417,885 tests for COVID-19 had been administered statewide. Of that number, 170,512 yielded a positive result. There are currently 18,569 individuals hospitalized, with 4,908 of those admitted to the ICU. At this time, 7,844 have died from the virus.

DONATIONS

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. Nitrile gloves are considered suitable for medical use, while other types of gloves must explicitly state they are for medical use. Food donations should be directed to the county Office for the Aging (518- 828-4258) and local 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.

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 Columbia County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Health, and the Emergency Management Office.