Friday, November 6, 2020

From the Columbia County Board of Supervisors

CHAIRMAN’S PRESS RELEASE

NUMBERS POINT TO INCREASING COMMUNITY SPREAD

Since Wednesday, 14 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Columbia County, said county Department of Health Director Jack Mabb.

“All of the new positive cases have come from the community. That’s the most significant thing about today’s numbers,” said Director Mabb. “People have let their guard down,” he added.

“Looking ahead, I think people will get together with their friends and relatives at Thanksgiving. As hard as we might try, we won’t be able to stop some people from getting together in an unsafe way.”

Director Mabb encourages county residents to be smart about their get-togethers. “Think it though. If you’re invited to a gathering of 20 or 30 people and everyone’s inside and not socially distancing, consider not going. Or consider an alternative where the same number of people attend but come in shifts throughout the day,” he said.

In addition, Director Mabb suggested that those looking to get together for the holiday be tested for the virus prior to the event. It is recommended that that those who are symptomatic and need medical evaluation visit Columbia Memorial Hospital, CMH Valatie Rapid Care, or CMH Copake Rapid Care. A list of area testing sites includes:

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.

UPCOMING COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING CLINICS

Future clinics at the John L. Edwards Primary School in Hudson will be held on Tuesdays November 10 and 17, and December 1. All clinics will be held from 9-11 a.m. 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 STILL ACCEPTING MASK DONATIONS

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]

OTHER 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. 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. The county will issue a press release on the coronavirus situation Monday, and Thursdays. 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.