FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

CHAIRMAN THANKS ESSENTIAL WORKERS

“Many continue to work through the coronavirus crisis, oftentimes from hastily arranged workspaces in their homes. Many others are working on the frontlines in medical professions, grocery stores, and in essential manufacturing, retail, and other services necessary to keep our society,” said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell on Saturday. “Not a day goes by that county leadership does not think of these frontline individuals and the duties they are carrying out, and we thank them for everything they do in the face of this terrible virus. We all look forward to the day when our everyday lives return to what we think of as normal,” Chairman Murell said.

SATURDAY’S STATEWIDE COVID-19 SNAPSHOT

As of Saturday morning, said Columbia County Director of Emergency Management David W. Harrison, Jr., New York State reported that 1,298,757 tests for COVID-19 had been administered statewide. Of that number, 345,813 yielded a positive result. There are currently 6,394 individuals hospitalized, with 431 newly hospitalized. At this time, statewide 22,304 have died from the virus.

Reminders….

TWO NEW TESTING CLINIC DATES

The Columbia County Department of Health has set the dates for two upcoming coronavirus testing clinics. Both are scheduled to be held at the John L. Edwards Elementary School in Hudson, the first on Wednesday, May 27th and the second on Tuesday, June 2nd. Times are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional information, including signup instructions, can be found on the Health Department’s webpage on the Columbia County website or by calling 518-828-3358.

 STILL NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL

County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said earlier this week that the county is aware of businesses that are attempting to conduct business in disregard of the state’s New York on PAUSE order.

Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman “We have received complaints about PAUSE being violated in the county,” said Chairman Murell. “The county is working with municipalities to address those complaints, which are considered building and zoning code issues and therefore a town, village, or city matter. I remind everyone that the county is required to follow the proper procedures regarding the handling of complaints or potentially face state penalties.

” The Capital Region has satisfied five of the seven metrics set forth by the state in order for a region to begin reopening its economy under Phase I of the four-phase plan. Additional information can be found at https://forward.ny.gov/

YARD SALES As the weather begins to improve, the county has fielded calls regarding yard sales and whether or not they are currently allowed under New York State guidelines. “I’m sorry to say that despite the rich history of yard sales in Columbia County, they are not allowed — they are considered retail operations, which fall under Phase 2 of the state’s four-phase reopening plan,” said Chairman Murell.

~ 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.