Columbia County Department of Health Update

As of 11:30 AM on May 25, 2020:

– Columbia County has had 32 residents that have passed away from COVID-19.
-381 positive cases of COVID-19 with 156 active cases. There are 71 additional residents on mandatory quarantine and 4 residents on precautionary quarantine.
-193 of the 381 cases have recovered from COVID-19
– 16 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 1 of those hospitalized are in the ICU
-We have received 4,626 test results completed for Columbia County residents

Sunday, May 25, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

CHAIRMAN HONORS THE FALLEN

“On this day, when we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country, I would ask everyone to take the time to honor the memory of those individuals,” said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell on Memorial Day. “Last year, I was granted the privilege of speaking at the Memorial Day commemoration ceremonies at the Chatham Rural Cemetery. On that solemn occasion, part of what I said was this regarding those fallen veterans:” Let’s think about what that time of service meant to each individual. Some entered the service and headed into war before they had even graduated from high school. Others left wives, young children, and established jobs. No matter the circumstances, they all left home unsure of whether or not they would return to their families. With their effort and dedication to a cause bigger than themselves, each and every one of them contributed to this great country. “Please hold them in your thoughts,” said the Chairman.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Tuesday, May 26th, 10:00am – until the food is gone, local food pantries and Catholic Charities will distribute food, fresh fruit, vegetables, and other items at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham. Organizers ask that no one arrive until 10am to prevent large crowds. Those in vehicles are asked to remain in them, while pedestrians are reminded to practice social distancing. “Adhering to these instructions will allow us to distribute food in a timely fashion,” said organizers.

COLUMBIA COMEBACK MEETING

Tuesday, May 26th, at 1:00pm: Columbia Comeback Meeting. The meeting is open to the public and can be accessed at https://columbiacomeback.com. Columbia Comeback was established by Chairman Murell as a resource for local businesses as they work to safely and successfully reopen under state guidelines.

THREE CORONAVIRUS TESTING CLINICS

Wednesday, May 27th 10:00am-12:00pm: at the John L. Edwards Elementary School in Hudson Tuesday, June 2nd 10:00am-12:00pm: at the John L. Edwards Elementary School in Hudson Matt B. Murell Chairman Kelly S. Baccaro Clerk Ronald L. Knott Deputy Chairman James J. Guzzi Deputy Chairman Sunday, June 7th 10:00am – 1:00pm: at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham Signup instructions and further instructions regarding the clinics can be found on the Health Department’s webpage on the Columbia County website https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/, or by calling 518-828- 3358.

Resources……..

BUSINESS REOPENING TOOLS

Phase One of New York Forward, which began on Wednesday, includes construction, manufacturing and wholesale supply chain; retail for curbside pickup and drop-off or in-store pickup; agriculture, forestry and fishing; as well as low-risk business and recreational activities, including drive-in movie theaters and some outdoor activities. Guidelines and templates relating to reopening plans can be found at: https://columbiacomeback.com/resources/phase-one/ Also, New York State has recently added 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.

Reminders……….

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.

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 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 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.