Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Chairman’s press release

COUNTY VIRUS RATE TOPS FIVE PERCENT

The Columbia County COVID-19 infection rate has risen above five percent, noted county Department of Health Director Jack Mabb on Tuesday.

Last Wednesday, county DOH recorded 13 new cases, with 32 on Thursday-Friday, and 22 on Saturday, which Director Mabb deemed “a big number on a Saturday for us – that takes us back to last February and March.”

For Sunday-Monday, there were 42 new cases, and 23 as of midday today. Sunday-Monday’s number included 14 students among local school districts, said Director Mabb, who added that overall, the numbers are “running 50- 50 between vaccinated and unvaccinated.”

All vaccination opportunities are posted on the county DOH website at columbiacountynyhealth.com

ADVISORY: Please note that the numbers distributed in Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell’s coronavirus press releases are morning results provided to the county Department of Health via the state reporting system. Updated numbers are issued again by the state in the afternoon, ordinarily past the time this press release is distributed. Consequently, there may be discrepancies in the numbers that appear here versus the final daily numbers shown on the DOH website and elsewhere.

COVID-19 ‘LONG HAUL’ EFFECTS BEING SEEN

“It is very clear to us at the county Department of Health that we’re seeing what are known as ‘long haul’ effects of the COVID-19 virus in folks,” said county DOH Director Jack Mabb today. “This is not like the flu,” added Director Mabb. “Respiratory issues associated with COVID-19 can go on for weeks and months. People are experiencing things like extreme fatigue, chest pain, bad headaches and more. Everyone needs to look at these things and realize the long-lasting impact it can have on lives, and get themselves vaccinated or boosted.” “In addition,” he said, “we’re now spending more time indoors and we’re heading into the holiday season. Infection numbers are going to spike. Again, this is not the same thing as the flu.” A more comprehensive listing of the types of conditions that may carry on in patients following the initial bout of a COVID-19 infection can be found on the CDC website, which offers a number of webpages addressing post COVID conditions, including one at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/post-covidconditions.html

WEDNESDAY’S ICHABOD CRANE & CHATHAM VAX TIMES

On Wednesday, November 17, the Columbia County Department of Health will hold a combined vaccination clinic for the Ichabod Crane and Chatham school districts from 3-6 p.m. at the Chatham Firehouse.

COUNTY DOH OFFERS WEEKLY VAX HOURS

On Tuesdays between the hours of 1 to 3:30 p.m., the Columbia County Department of Health offers COVID-19 vaccinations at its 325 Columbia Street, Hudson location. Every third Tuesday of the month, the immunization clinic runs from 1-5:30 p.m. An appointment is required.

COVID-19 TESTING SITES (as of 8-2-2021) Those seeking testing are advised to contact the site for insurance eligibility and testing hours. New York State DOH, 888-364-3065. CMH Copake Rapid Care, call for appointment, 518-329-3902. CMH Valatie Rapid Care, call for appointment, 518-758-4300. WellNow Urgent Care, Hudson, 518-267-3496. CVS-Valatie, call for appointment, 518-758-2200. Pine Plains Pharmacy, online pre registration required, 518-398-5588. CareMount Medical Urgent Care, Rhinebeck. CVS-Red Hook, call for appointment, 845-758-9612. Also, Community Care Physicians, Latham, 518-863-3600. Whitney Young, Albany, 518-465-4771. Priority 1 Urgent Care, Guilderland, 518-867-8040. Rite Aid-Colonie, 518-240-1456. Central Med Urgent Care, Albany, 518- 240-1456. Walgreens Rapid Testing, 518-426-2976. EmUrgentCare, Albany, Saugerties, West Coxsackie, Guilderland, 518-264-9000 for all locations.

SENIORS & HOMEBOUND RESIDENTS – DO YOU NEED VACCINATION REGISTRATION HELP?

Columbia County Seniors and/or homebound residents in need of assistance getting themselves registered for the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to contact the county call center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The telephone number is 518-828-3358.

AT-HOME COVID-19 TEST AVAILABLE

LabCorp currently offers an at-home COVID-19 test at https://www.pixel.labcorp.com/at-home-testkits/covid-19-test-home-collection-kit. This test does not detect antibodies or immunity. It is designed to determine active infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. After completing a short eligibility survey, choose a billing option, which can be through personal insurance, the use of federal funds to cover the cost of this test on your behalf if you’re uninsured, or with a credit card. The test kit will arrive via FedEx. After collecting and returning your sample, the average time to deliver results is one-two days from when your sample is received at the lab, according to LabCorp.

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 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. 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 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 Tuesday 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 Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Health, and the Emergency Management Office.