Chairman’s press release

POSITIVE CASE RATE REMAINS CONSTANT

COVID-19 cases

As of Monday, per the CDC, Columbia County’s rate of new COVID-19 cases remains in the low risk category. On Thursday, the CDC-reported current average of new daily cases per 100,000 of population stood at 19.2. The positive test rate is 11.4 percent.

According to Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb, “Columbia County’s COVID-19 positive cases for the week ending July 8 remained fairly constant in comparison with the numbers from June. As of today, we received reports of 87 positive cases this week. Also today, we have 13 in area hospitals and one in the ICU. Of the eight individuals at Columbia Memorial Health all are vaccinated, with six over the age of 60 and the other two under 40″.

Director Mabb said his department is watching the rapid growth of the latest omicron variant BA-5. Information from the state Health Department this week shows BA-5 accounting for 54% of all new positive cases. That’s up from the 37% last week.

“It appears to be more contagious and perhaps more virulent,” said Director Mabb, who noted the saving grace for us is that it is summer, kids are out of school and were all spending more time outside. “We are anxious about what the fall will bring.”

Powassan virus

The county Department of Health is also following a probable case of Powassan virus. This is a very rare tickborne illness that can cause serious complications such as encephalitis, seizures, loss of coordination, and confusion. More common symptoms include headache, nausea, fever, and fatigue.

“I do want to emphasize that Powassan is very rare. This is only the second case we’ve had in the last three years,” said Director Mabb. By comparison the county has seen 489 cases of Lyme disease so far this year.

Although New York State has lifted the mandate for mask wearing while inside a business, local health care officials continue to encourage the wearing of masks while indoors, particularly for those with health problems.

Additional information on daily COVID-19 cases and more can be found on the Columbia County Department of Health’s website at https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com

County vaccination and infection rates

As of Saturday, July 2, the Columbia County Department of Health had administered 11,289 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Second doses now number 9,568. The vaccine administered is Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson. Note: J&J – a one dose vaccine – is added as a first shot.

Third shots (boosters) of Moderna or Pfizer now number 4,117. Fourth shots (boosters) of Moderna or Pfizer now number 638. Johnson & Johnson boosters number 65.

Pediatric first shots number 615, with 576 second shots and 20 boosters.

The total number of Columbia County residents by all vaccine providers, as shown on the NYS COVID-19 vaccine tracker website:

45,580 have received at least one dose, or 76.1 percent of the county’s 59,916 population.

Student testing, home testing and affirmation reports

The DOH continues to provide testing for students and staff of Columbia County schools who need a negative test to return to school. This will be by appointment only at the DOH Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:45-3:30 p.m. Parents may contact (518) 828-3358 X1251 to schedule these appointments when needed. This testing will still only be for staff/students of Columbia County schools who need a negative COVID test to return to school.

Also available on the county DOH website is information on filing home testing reports as well as affirmation letters of quarantine and/or isolation that may be required by employers.

Upcoming DOH vaccination clinics

Director Mabb has issued a reminder that the county DOH continues to offer vaccine clinics at Columbia-Greene Community College on Thursdays from 3-5:30 p.m. throughout the month of July. All vaccines are available on a walk-in basis. For additional information, contact the county DOH at 518-828-3358.

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 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. Every Friday afternoon, Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell will issue a press release on the coronavirus situation. 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.