From Columbia County Department of Health

As of 2:45 pm, April 7, 2020:

We are sad to report that we have a fourth community member that has passed away from COVID-19. Although we understand the desire for more information, we are doing everything we can to respect the privacy of the individual and the loved ones of the deceased. The only COVID-19 information we will share can be found below.

-72 positive cases of COVID-19
-28 of the 72 cases have recovered from COVID-19
-4 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 1 of those are in the ICU
-We have received 489 test results completed for Columbia County residents
– 80 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 21 under precautionary quarantine
-There are 8 residents with suspected, not tested cases

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

COUNTY EXPERIENCES 4TH COVID-19 DEATH Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb reported Tuesday that one individual in the county has died of COVID-19 since Monday. That brings to four the number of COVID-19-related deaths in Columbia County. “All four individuals who have died in the county are seniors with comorbidities,” Mabb said. Mabb added that in this case, the individual who succumbed was not a resident of the Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation facility in Philmont.

CORONAVIRUS TESTING KITS ORDERED

With county DOH having completed extensive research into commercially available coronavirus testing kits, on Tuesday Director Jack Mabb said an order for test kits has been placed. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to conduct more extensive testing in the county,” said Mabb. “Testing is key to understanding the extent of the disease – and aiding in the fight against it — in our community.” CORONAVIRUS RUMORS “This is not the time to take stock in information that circulates on the rumor mill relating to the coronavirus situation,” county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell advised Tuesday. “Relying on official sources can help to cut down on the misinformation that only causes fear and confusion in an already confusing time,” added Murell. Locally, the county issues 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. Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman

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 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.

NEW HOTLINE FOR ELDERLY AND VULNERABLE

Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett has established a new 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. “This is a critical component of our fight against the virus. We understand that people are coming here to escape the disease, but everyone should consider they are a carrier of the coronavirus,” said Murell. The state’s coronavirus website, with up-to-the-minute information, can be located at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.

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 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.