Columbia County Department of Health Update

As of 3 PM on May 11, 2020:

-We are sad to report our 21st and 22nd community members that have passed away from COVID-19. We have now had 5 community deaths, 10 were residents of Pine Haven, and 7 were residents of The Grand at Barnwell.

-326 positive cases of COVID-19

Columbia County Update

Monday, May 11, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

NEXT COUNTY TESTING KIT ORDER ON HOLD

“Over the past few days, I’ve heard from some residents asking why the county has not yet ordered another round of COVID-19 testing kits,” said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell.

Recently, said Chairman Murell, different medical facilities and pharmacies have begun to expand onsite testing. “These are most often tests involving a blood draw and are billed through insurance or otherwise require a payment on the part of the individual,” he said.

“Testing that involves a blood draw is known as being far more reliable and accurate than that which can currently be achieved through a testing kit. The reason we have not yet ordered antibody test kits is because of the accuracy issues. As a county, we do not have the ability to conduct tests involving a blood draw,” said Chairman Murell.

County DOH is working to identify testing kits that meet the standards that will yield consistent, solid results and have received the go-ahead under an FDA Emergency Use Authorization.

“Many individuals from the county have contributed hard-earned dollars toward the purchase of the testing kits, and for the county to spend that money in a reckless fashion would not represent a good use of those funds. We will be ordering more kits when the county Department of Health is satisfied the right test for us is available,” Chairman Murell said.

WHAT DOES MAY 15 MEAN?

“Just because we hit May 15, the latest deadline set by the state’s NY ON PAUSE plan, it doesn’t mean that businesses can simply open their doors and resume business as usual,” said Chairman Murell on Monday.

Chairman Murell said that the Capital District Region, of which Columbia County is a part, must still meet the metrics set forth by the governor in order to begin business activity under Phase One of the plan. “We have to follow the Executive Order or there will be penalties. As much as we might look forward to businesses being allowed to open, Columbia County cannot go it alone,” he said.

~ 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 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.

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.

SELF-ISOLATION

Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell continues to urge anyone migrating from outside Columbia County to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival. “Everyone should consider they are a carrier of the coronavirus,” said Murell.

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 daily press release on the coronavirus situation every afternoon at 4. 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.