Friday, November 13, 2020

CHAIRMAN’S PRESS RELEASE

 

CDC MASK GUIDELINES UPDATED

 

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control announced revised information that not only do face masks protect others, but also offers a measure of protection against the coronavirus to those wearing them. “How well it protects you from breathing in the virus likely depends on the fabrics used and how your mask is made (e.g. the type of fabric, the number of layers of fabric, how well the mask fits),” noted the CDC, which provides extensive information on masks on its website.

 

“Despite the news of a possible vaccine that may be effective against the virus, at this time our sole weapons in this fight remain the wearing of masks, social distancing, and washing our hands,” said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell. “As the county continues to experience a rise in positive cases, we all need to do our part.”

 

In addition, Chairman Murell said that the county building at 401 State Street, Hudson, was closed on Thursday when two staff members were considered to be possibly COVID-19 positive. Negative test results were reported in both cases. The county facilities department performed a deep cleaning on the building and it was reopened for business on Friday.

 

On Friday, county Department of Health Director Jack Mabb reported 18 new in-county positive cases of the virus on Thursday, and six on Friday. There are currently 117 active cases in the county, with 225 in mandatory quarantine and 27 hospitalized, including two individuals in ICU.

 

Those seeking to determine if they are living in a COVID-19 hotspot are advised to visit https://covidhotspotlookup.health.ny.gov/#/home

 

CORONAVIRUS TESTING SITES

 

New York Testing Site, University at Albany. By appointment only at 888-364-3065 or www.covid19screening.health.ny.gov; WellNow Urgent Care, 446 Fairview Avenue, Hudson. 518-267-3496. May be out-of-pocket costs; Columbia County Department of Health. 518-828-3358. Check www.columbiacountynyhealth.com for scheduled walk-up and drive-thru clinics; Greene County Department of Health. 518-719-3600. By appointment only on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m.

 

Also, Community Care Physicians, Latham. 518-863-3600. 12-7 p.m.; Priority 1 Urgent Care, Guilderland. 518-867-8040; Whitney Young, Albany. 518-465-4771; Rite Aid, Colonie. 518-267-3496; CareMount Medical Urgent Care, Rhinebeck. 844-484-6564; Rapid Testing, Albany. 518-240-1456. Insurance is billed; Walgreens Rapid Testing, Albany. 518-426-2976.

 

UPCOMING COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING CLINICS

 

Future COVID-19 testing clinics by the county DOH remains at the John L. Edwards Primary School in Hudson, and will be on Tuesdays:  November 17, and December 1 from 9-11 am  The clinics are limited to 100 tests. Pre-registration is not required. A form of photo identification will be necessary, and masks are required for entry. These will be nasopharyngeal swabs which are useful in detecting the virus in actively sick people. The kits used at these clinics are part of those purchased with the help of private donations to Columbia County.

 

The clinics are limited to 100 tests. Pre-registration is not required. A form of photo identification will be necessary, and masks are required for entry. These will be nasopharyngeal swabs which are useful in detecting the virus in actively sick people. The kits used at these clinics are part of those purchased with the help of private donations to Columbia County.

 

Symptoms most typical of COVID-19 include fever, cough, trouble breathing, loss of taste or smell, as well as any symptoms consistent with CDC guidelines.

 

COUNTY DOH FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE

 

The flu vaccine will be offered by appointment only at the regularly scheduled immunization clinic every Tuesday from 1-3:30 p.m. at Columbia County Department of Health at 325 Columbia Street, Hudson. An evening immunization clinic is also available on the third Tuesday of each month from 4-6 p.m. All clinics are by appointment only.

 

The flu vaccine is the best protection we have from the flu and its complication, and has become even more critical in the time of COVID-19. Talk to your doctor before getting the flu shot if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or a previous flu shot, or have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

 

The DOH accepts the following insurance plans: Blue Shield of North East New York, CDPHP, Fidelis, Medicare Part B, MVP, Medicaid, and United Health Care. Other senior plans may be billed, including some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for a lower fee or no fee for the flu vaccine. All others are expected to pay a fee of $42 for the flu vaccine, with the exact cash amount or checks accepted. Debit or credit cards are not accepted.

 

DONATION INFORMATION

 

Masks:  Those wishing to donate cloth masks to the county stockpile may contact the county Emergency Management office at 518-828-1212 or [email protected]. Or Supervisor Rob Lagonia at [email protected]

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 can 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.

 

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.

 

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the county will issue a press release on the coronavirus situation. The releases can be found on the Columbia County website and the Facebook pages of the Board of Supervisors, Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Health, and the Emergency Management Office.