FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

FOUR OF FIVE LOCAL NURSING HOMES CONTINUE TO TEST

Four of the five nursing facilities located in Columbia County are conducting coronavirus testing, said Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb on Tuesday. “Four of them are working with us,” he said.

Mabb reported that as of Tuesday, Livingston Hills had tested 92 of its residents and the bulk of its staff, while the FASNY Firemen’s Home has completed testing on one wing, as well as the bulk of its staff, all with negative results. “

Pine Haven had one positive test result from yesterday, along with another death of a resident. However, the resident who died was transferred in, just the day before,” Mabb said.

The Grand at Barnwell – testing of both residents and staff continues, Mabb said. “We’ve had nothing but cooperation from them. I applaud the folks at the Grand – they have a horrific situation on their hands, but they’re courageously working to get to the bottom of the situation.”

“That leaves Whittier as the only facility to not take test kits,” said Mabb. “They are the only facility not working with us. Initially, we were told by someone at the facility that they wanted 180 kits, however, later someone called back to refuse them.”

TESTING KIT CLARIFICATION

In the Monday, May 11th press release issued from the office of county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell, some confusion resulted regarding the county’s purchase of antibody testing kits and diagnostic testing kits.

The county is indeed continuing to pursue the purchase of diagnostic testing kits. Future testing clinics will be held by the County Department of Health. Meanwhile, County DOH personnel are investigating the most accurate and reliable antibody testing kits for use in the county. There are still many in the medical and science fields questioning the accuracy of antibody test kits, and if a person actually has immunity even if they have COVID-19 antibodies.

COLUMBIA COMEBACK HOLDS FIRST MEETING

“I think the first meeting of the Columbia Comeback committee went well – it was a good group of business owners who want to do things legally and safely when their businesses are allowed to reopen,” said Chairman Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman Murell, following Monday’s kickoff meeting held on YouTube. A replay can be viewed via a link on the Columbia Economic Development Corporation website at https://www.columbiaedc.com/

The committee next meets on Tuesday, May 26, at 1 p.m., and can be accessed from the CEDC website.

WHAT DOES MAY 15 MEAN? (worth repeating!)

“Just because we hit May 15, the latest deadline set by the state’s NY ON PAUSE plan, it does not 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.