Columbia County Department of Health Update

As of 3 PM on May 13, 2020:

-Columbia County has had 24 community members that have passed away from COVID-19.
-328 positive cases of COVID-19
-144 of the 328 cases have recovered from COVID-19
– 8 of the positive cases are hospitalized, none of those hospitalized are in the ICU
-We have received 2,556 test results completed for Columbia County residents
-159 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 7 under precautionary quarantine

Columbia County Update

FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

REGION GETTING CLOSE ON METRICS, BUT NOT THERE YET

At the beginning of the day Wednesday, the Capital Region, of which Columbia County is a part, had hit six of the required seven metrics set forth by New York State in order for a region to begin re-opening its economy. However, later in the day, Governor Cuomo announced that the region had fallen back to satisfying five of the necessary metrics.

“While we are disappointed at this news, I think we are closing in on the day when the seven metrics are met and we are able to begin opening Columbia County under Phase One of the state’s plan. Everyone is early anticipating that day,” said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell.

Reiterating his statement from earlier in the week, Chairman Murell added, “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. 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.

STATE OF EMERGENCY & BUILDING CLOSURES TO PUBLIC EXTENDED

Chairman Murell said on Wednesday that the closure of county buildings to the public has been extended through May 22. Departments deemed essential will continue to be staffed and will accept appointments from the public.

“Although in the past we have extended building closures in two-week increments, we are now planning to proceed one week at a time, with an eye to being able to quickly open up when the state gives us the go-ahead,” Chairman Murell said.

In addition, the State of Emergency currently in effect in Columbia County has been extended to June 15.

~ 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 Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman 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.

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.