In anticipation of the day New York State begins to ease some restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic, Columbia County has begun to ramp up its mask purchasing, at the same time recognizing the tremendous support in terms of mask donations that has come from the community

“A number of groups and individuals have stepped up to donate masks, for which we are tremendously thankful,” said county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell on Tuesday. “At this time, we need to begin looking to when some county personnel and some area businesses are allowed to begin the process of reopening. Masks will be a necessary component, as they are now, of helping to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Austerlitz Town Supervisor and county Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Rob Lagonia, who has been at the forefront of taking in mask donations over the past several weeks, said Tuesday that “home sewers have really fired up their sewing machines. We’re receiving donations of 100 masks, or 25 masks, or 50, almost daily. It doesn’t matter whether it’s five or 100, we need every one.”

To that end, Lagonia recommends that those wishing to help out with mask donations consult CDC guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-facecoverings.html

“If possible,” said Lagonia, “square, cloth masks are the best, with elastic if possible. Solid colors are preferred, but really any are fine. Under current conditions, we need, and will use, whatever we can get. At the same time, everyone should understand that cloth masks are a last-ditch option – they are not equal to a surgical or procedural mask, but cloth does provide a barrier if you should sneeze or cough.”

OTHER FORMS OF 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.

Food donations should be directed to the county Office for the Aging (518-828-4258) and local food 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 Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Health, and the Emergency Management Office.

Update from Columbia County Department of Health

As of 2.30 pm, April 14, 2020:

-97 positive cases of COVID-19

-9 community members have passed away from COVID-19

– 40 of the 97 cases have recovered from COVID-19

– 10 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 4 of those are in the ICU

-We have received 726 test results completed for Columbia County residents

– 101 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 23 under precautionary quarantine

-There are 9 residents with suspected, not tested cases

More news

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced New York State is ramping up antibody testing, a key component of any plan to reopen the economy. The state is currently conducting 300 of these antibody tests, and is on track to conduct 1,000 per day by next Friday and 2,000 per day by the following week.

The New York State Bar Association has established a volunteer program for lawyers to handle a surge in legal matters resulting from the pandemic and ensuing economic fallout. Lawyers can sign up to volunteer at nysba.org/covidvolunteer.

Below you can find the breakdown of confirmed, positive cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County by Town as of 4/10/2020. For purposes of increasing transparency, we will be sharing this information on Friday afternoons going forward.

Ancram- 4

Canaan- 1

Chatham- 4

Copake- 4

Livingston- 1

Germantown- 4

Ghent- 14

Hillsdale- 4

Hudson- 10

Greenport- 5

Kinderhook- 5

Claverack- 2

New Lebanon- 3

Clermont- 1

Pine Haven Residents- 22

We still strongly recommend that everyone treat each and every person you see like they are COVID-19 positive by practicing social distancing, proper hand hygiene, avoid touching your face and common surfaces, and most importantly STAY HOME until absolutely necessary to leave. By learning the towns’ positive cases we don’t want anyone to feel a sense of false confidence that the virus is not in their community. In order to slow the spread, we need to stay vigilant on these prevention measures no matter where the positive, confirmed cases reside.

Social distancing continues to be a priority for the community’s health. Prevent the spread by staying home, staying 6ft away from everyone, and understanding that commonly touched items ARE a possible means for the virus to transmit from person-to-person. Do not touch your face, sanitize these surfaces frequently and STAY HOME to protect those who cannot.