Columbia County Department of Health Update

As of 1:30 pm, on April 12, 2020:

-Unfortunately, we have had an eighth community member pass away from COVID-19
-89 positive cases of COVID-19
– 36 of the 89 cases have recovered from COVID-19
– 8 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 2 of those are in the ICU
-We have received 650 test results completed for Columbia County residents
– 85 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 21 under precautionary quarantine
-There are 10 residents with suspected, not tested cases

Columbia County Update 4/12/20

COUNTY THANKS ALL FOR GENEROSITY

Columbia County has learned that Next Gen Signs of Ghent is making a donation of face shields for use by emergency medical personnel, Emergency Medical Service Coordinator PJ Keeler said Sunday. “After testing and using the face shields, we found them to be far superior to what the state has supplied,” Keeler said. “We can’t thank Next Gen enough for their generosity.”

“We are highly appreciative that the community is stepping up to help during this difficult time,” said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell. Murell said that the efforts of many have not gone unnoticed by county officials.

“Not a day goes by that we don’t pause to thank local individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made donations to the county Emergency Operations Center, Nursing Homes, the Hospital, Emergency Services Agencies, Essential Employees, and all those on the front lines during this crisis,” said Murell. “It’s heartening to see the outpouring of support from our community.”

A PPE ‘DISCONNECT’

“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.

“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 Murell. Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman

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.

” 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.

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.

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/coronaviruscovid-19 or their Facebook page @: https://www.facebook.com/Columbia-County-Department-of-Health469399129790791/. 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