Columbia County Department of Health Update

7/24/20 COVID-19 Update

As of 3 PM on July 24, 2020:

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

Friday Town Report:

July 24, 2020 Town by Town Breakdown (TOTAL Positive Cases)
Ancram 4

Friday, July 24, 2020

CHAIRMAN’S PRESS RELEASE

TESTING CONCERNS

Noting that Governor Cuomo announced on Thursday that 3,900 state prison inmates had been tested for COVID-19, with 77 positive results reported, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb on Friday questioned whether or not this activity is affecting the ability of laboratories to process tests.

“I find it highly coincidental that suddenly our state laboratory is currently telling us they may not be able to handle processing our tests in August, yet 3,900 asymptomatic inmates were tested and I’m concerned the governor may be planning to expand testing of more asymptomatic inmates. To have this come at a time when more and more residents of our community seem to be interested in being tested, possibly made anxious by the surge in positive cases in the South, is not good. In fact, the DOH has decided to cancel our previously scheduled August 3 walkup test clinic in Hudson because of the processing issue,” said Director Mabb.

“I do think it’s good science to test a portion of a unique, segregated population to determine the incidence rate. I hope the 3,900 already tested satisfies state corrections’ curiosity,” added Director Mabb.

“I share Director Mabb’s concerns and in fact have conveyed them to our Capital Region control group for consideration,” said county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell.

PROPER MASK WEARING

“Just from what I’ve observed over the past few months and even seen recently, it occurs to me that many individuals have not learned proper mask wearing techniques, and indeed when they need to be worn,” said county DOH Director Jack Mabb on Wednesday.

“For instance,” said Director Mabb, “I see people driving alone in their cars, or walking down the street with no one else in sight, and they have their mask on. That’s not necessary. Not only is it not necessary, but to wear a mask when it’s not needed can affect the mask’s lifespan.”

Director Mabb recommended following guidelines for the general public from the Centers for Disease Control’s on when, where, and how to wear a mask, as follows:

•  Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
•  Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth to help protect others in case you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t have symptoms
• Wear a face covering correctly for maximum protection
• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
•  Make sure you can breathe easily
•  Don’t put the face covering around your neck or up on your forehead
•  Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect
• CDC recommends all people two years of age and older wear a cloth face covering in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain
• COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. That’s why it’s important for everyone to wear cloth face coverings in public settings and practice social distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from other people)

Locally, there have been concerns of masks being abandoned in swimming locations and other recreational sites. Director Mabb added that the wearing of masks while swimming is not necessary.

For more in-depth information on mask wearing etiquette, consult the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov

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

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 press release on the coronavirus situation Monday, Wednesday & Fridays. 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.