As of Wednesday morning, 39 current signups for Sunday’s Columbia County Department of Health drive-thru clinic means there’s plenty of room remaining for those interested, said county DOH Director Jack Mabb. The clinic is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12 noon at 325 Columbia St., Hudson. Pre-registration is required at https://forms.gle/93TB4ibcWFamZsUPA More extensive information regarding what will be needed for entry to the clinic, and what steps to take afterward, appear in the full testing schedule below.

“The Board of Supervisors and I would like to thank county Facilities Director Brian McDonald and his staff for the yeoman’s duty they’d done during the current pandemic,” said Chairman Matt Murell on Wednesday. “Not only have they had to adjust to changing circumstances as we learn more about how to fight the virus in public spaces, but in many cases they’ve been required to take extra measures to prepare for the return of the public to county buildings. It doesn’t stop there. Everyone is well aware of the vigilance they need to take in keeping those spaces virus-free to the best of their ability,” said Chairman Murell.

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.

On this, the first week of distribution, county Emergency Management Director David W. Harrison, Jr., reported that 567 gallons and 1,548 two-ounce spray bottles of hand sanitizer were given out. “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 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.

Walk-up clinics: Tuesdays July 21 and July 28. The sidewalk in front of John L. Edwards Primary School in Hudson. 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. Preregistration will not be necessary for the walkup clinics.

Drive-thru clinics: Sunday, July 12, 9 a.m. to 12 noon: 325 Columbia St., Hudson. Pre-registration is required at https://forms.gle/93TB4ibcWFamZsUPA

Sunday, August 12, 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.

Phase One and Phase Two of New York Forward is open in Columbia County, Guidelines and templates relating to reopening plans can be found at:

Phase One: https://columbiacomeback.com/resources/phase-one/

Phase Two: https://columbiacomeback.com/resources/phase-two/

Phase Three: https://columbiacomeback.com/resources/phase-three/

(Phase III scheduled for June 17th, NYS link https://forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries)

Also, New York State has a “Reopening Tool,” designed to let businesses know when they may reopen in a particular region. It can be accessed at: https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward

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: www.columbiacountyny.com and the Emergency Management Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/columbiacountyemergencymanagementoffice

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.

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 should 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.

Masks: Those interested in donating masks should contact Austerlitz Town Supervisor and county Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Rob Lagonia at [email protected]. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s five or 100, we need every one,” said Lagonia, who recommends that those wishing to help out with mask donations consult CDC guidelines at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diycloth-face-coverings.html

Free fabric: Currently, Ocean State Job Lot stores are offering free fabric for use in the construction of masks in a “Mask Fabric For Free” campaign. Visit any Ocean State location for the fabric, which is said to be of a high-quality cotton/polyester blend available in two sizes. Further information is available on the Ocean State Job Lot website. Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts is offering free mask kits. Those seeking to acquire a kit are advised to order online for curbside pickup. The Greenport store telephone number is 518-828-2621. Current store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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.