COUNTY EMPLOYEE TESTS POSITIVE

A Columbia County employee has tested positive for COVID-19, said county Department of Health Director Jack Mabb on Monday. “Contact tracing is underway as we look to determine who this employee may have exposed both in and out of work,” said Director Mabb. Added county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell, “We can’t say this enough. If you       feel sick, do not come to work. Get yourself tested and isolate until you learn the result. I know that in the past, people have been urged to work their way through an illness, but that is not a practical approach in this environment. We can’t let down

our guard.” The county DOH has expressed concern with the surge in COVID-19 cases being experienced in many other states, with the notion that perhaps – particularly as it is seemingly striking many younger individuals – the virus is mutating. “It’s possible that people traveling to other states may be bringing back a new variation of the virus. This is another reminder that we need to continue diligently sticking to mask-wearing and social distancing practices,” said Director Mabb.

.. 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. 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.

COUNTY DOH RELEASES EXTENSIVE TESTING SCHEDULE

Walk-up clinics: Tuesdays June 30, July 7, July 21, 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.

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

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.

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.

UPDATED TOWN AND NURSING HOME NUMBERS OF COVID-19 CASES AS OF FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020

Ancram 4

Barnwell (Nursing Home) 142

Canaan 9

Chatham 15

Claverack 20

Clermont 6

Copake 21

Craryville 1

Gallatin 3

Germantown 1

Ghent 21

Greenport 20

Hillsdale 11

Hudson 24

Kinderhook 26

Livingston Hills (Nursing Home) 2

Livingston 13

New Lebanon 8

Niverville 2

Pine Haven (Nursing Home) 49

Philmont 6

Stockport 4

Stuyvesant 12

Taghkanic 6

Valatie 11

Total 437

Some numbers for towns may have changed due to data quality assurance efforts.