-There are 38 active cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County.

– 339 of the 414 cases have recovered from COVID-19

– 10 of the positive cases are hospitalized, none of those hospitalized are in the ICU

– We’ve received 1,906 antibody results, of which 157 were positive.

https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/…/coronavirus-covid…/

Columbia County Update

Friday, June 12, 2020

FROM: Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEW BATCH OF TESTING KITS ON ORDER

Putting to use donated funds, Columbia County in conjunction with Columbia Memorial Health this week ordered 1,000 antibody test testing kits, Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said on Friday. The kits are expected to arrive in approximately two weeks.

“An extensive amount of research has gone into locating the right fit for our needs. I’m happy to say we’re confident in the direction we’ve chosen,” said Chairman Murell.

Added Health Department Director Jack Mabb, “It’s good that we are able to get these antibody kits. We do expect to continue to use the nasopharyngeal swabs as we look for people who are positive and contagious at the time of the test, but many in the public want to know if the illness they had earlier this year, when testing wasn’t readily available, was COVID-19. That’s the value of these kits. There’s also great value in working with Columbia Memorial Health. They’re our partner in this and have been from the beginning of the crisis.”

Mabb explained that federal Food & Drug Administration regulations require that the county partner with a certified laboratory for purchase.

GARAGE SALES NYS GUIDANCE

Garage and yard sales – as informal events for the sale of used goods by private individuals in residential settings – are permitted to operate so long as sellers ensure that (1) occupancy of the space used for the sale is limited to the number of people who can be safely and appropriate spaced such that each person is at least six feet away from others and, in no case, should the space be occupied by more than 10 people at any given time, in accordance with Executive Order 202.33, as extended; (2) appropriate face coverings must be used by people in areas or situations where they are likely to come within six feet of another individual, in accordance with Executive Order 202.17, as extended; and (3) adequate hand hygiene supplies (e.g. hand sanitizer) and regular cleaning/disinfection protocols are in place. Sellers may consult the New York Forward safety plan template for additional precautions that they should consider implementing during such sales.

COUNTY BUILDINGS OPEN TO PUBLIC ON MONDAY

Chairman Murell said on Wednesday that staff has begun returning to county buildings and preparing for public access next Monday, June 15.

“Buildings will be staffed at 50 percent, with virus-related safety precautions in place for both employees and the public. Nonetheless, it is good to see some restoration of normal business activity,” said Chairman Murell.

BUSINESS REOPENING TOOLS

Guidelines and templates relating to Phase 2 business reopening plans, as well as additional information for businesses as they reopen, can be found at https://columbiacomeback.com/resources/phase-two

Also, New York State has recently added 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

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.

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/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

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.

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.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the county will issue a press release on the coronavirus situation at 4 p.m. 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.