Columbia County Department of Health Update

As of 3 PM on May 6, 2020:

– We have 16 Columbia County Residents that have passed away from COVID-19
-305 positive cases of COVID-19
-113 of the 305 cases have recovered from COVID-19
– 11 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 4 of those hospitalized are in the ICU
-We have received 1,878 test results completed for Columbia County residents
-189 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 22 under precautionary quarantine

Columbia County Update

FROM: Chairman Matt Murell

BARNWELL NOW AT 112 COVID-19 POSITIVE RESIDENTS

On Wednesday, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb reported that an additional 42 residents of The Grand at Barnwell have tested positive for COVID-19. That brings to 112, out of 216, the total residents currently in the positive category, with more than 20 staff also having tested positive.

All residents and staff are being tested, with the State Department of Health having sent a team to assist with that process, he added.

“The state has complete authority over all nursing homes,” said Director Mabb in response to recent inquiries regarding what authority the county DOH might have. “We help out where we can because they’re part of our county, but we have no authority over them.”

CHAIRMAN TO PARTICIPATE IN HUDSON VALLEY SESSIONS

County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said Wednesday he has been asked to sit in on a weekly conference call involving leaders from Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Greene, Columbia, and Putnam counties.

“Although we are considered part of the Capital Region by the state, I think it is equally important that we keep up with what the Hudson Valley region counties are doing as we all look to the day when we can begin to restart economic activity in the county. This goes hand-in-hand with the Columbia Comeback initiative that I announced late last week. None of us can effectively do this alone,” said Murell.

TESTING SLOTS REMAIN OPEN FOR FRIDAY CLINIC

As of Tuesday morning, DOH Director Mabb said that 42 individuals had registered for the DOH/Columbia Memorial Health drive-through testing clinic scheduled for this Friday, May 8. The plan is to conduct 100 tests at Columbia-Greene Community College on that day.

“Obviously, that means there are still openings,” said Director Mabb. “I would encourage those who have not yet signed up to do so.”

Priority for testing will be given to individuals meeting the following criteria: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, and any symptoms consistent with CDC guidelines. Residents that meet the criteria for testing are asked to fill out the online screening form at https://forms.gle/afxfrFaDkrV7m1DF6.

~ 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.