Columbia County Department of Health Update

6/17/20 COVID-19 Update

As of 2:30 PM on June 17, 2020:

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

Columbia County Update

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

FREE HAND SANITIZER AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE BUSINESSES

During the COVID-19 crisis and as things begin to open up, Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell and Sheriff David Bartlett believe it’s important to ensure that the free hand sanitizer provided by New York State be made available to those private and non-profit companies and organizations, as well as municipalities, within Columbia County who need it. There is no need to submit a prior request – simply show up at the dates and times below.

Beginning Tuesday, June 23, and again on Thursday, June 25, 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.

Thereafter, hand sanitizer will be handed out every week – for as long as NYS provides it — on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. 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.

THANKS FOR DONATION

“I would like to thank the HRBT Foundation for its recent donation of $10,00.00 toward the county’s efforts to combat the coronavirus. These funds were put to good use toward last week’s purchase of 1,000 testing kits that we expect to take delivery of within a couple weeks,” said Chairman Murell.

TESTING TUESDAYS AT JOHN L. EDWARDS

For the remaining Tuesdays in June, the Columbia County Department of Health will conduct testing clinics from 9 to 11 a.m. at the John L. Edwards Primary School in Hudson. There is no need to exhibit symptoms and registration is not required.

BUSINESS REOPENING TOOLS

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

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: 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.

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 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 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.

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.