The Monday 11/25/24 Planning Board Meeting has been cancelled. … {...}
October 22, 2020 Update
Thursday, October 22, 2020
From the Columbia County Board of Supervisors
CHAIRMAN’S PRESS RELEASE
OUTBREAK CAUSES CONCERN FOR POSSIBLE COMMUNITY SPREAD
Twenty-seven residents of Ghent Assisted Living, Route 66, Ghent, have tested positive for COVID-19 stemming from last week’s outbreak, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb said Thursday. Nine individuals are currently hospitalized, with one in the ICU. A total of six staff members have now tested positive.
At the Brookwood Secure Center in Claverack, two staff members, both of whom reside in Columbia County, have tested positive. No residents have tested positive. The Columbia Girls Secure Center, also located in Claverack, reports three youth and four staff members who reside in-county have tested positive. There are 10 additional staff members at the two centers who reside outside the county that have tested positive.
“My concern in this situation is not only for those who reside and work in these facilities, but for what it could ultimately mean in terms of possibly causing more wide-ranging community spread,” said Director Mabb. “Not only does this outbreak involve county residents, but there are also a significant number of out-of-county residents who have tested positive who went home at the end of their work day. They stopped by the gas station, pharmacy and the grocery store. They could very well have been contagious before they were actually tested. This is how the virus gets into the community.”
“This is yet another reminder that no one knows where this virus may be lingering. Our only defense remains to wear a mask, social distance, and wash our hands,” he added.
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
One October COVID-19 testing clinic by the county DOH remains at the John L. Edwards Primary School in Hudson.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020, from 9-11 a.m.
Future clinics at the school 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]
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.
COLUMBIA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Although our numbers are low, it is IMPORTANT to remember to stay home if you feel symptoms. Recent positives were feeling ill and continued to go to work and/or socialized and potentially exposed many more people, putting them on Mandatory Quarantine for 14 days. Please continue to practice social distancing and wear your mask!
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR DAILY INFORMATION FROM THE COLUMBIA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND FOR TOWN BY TOWN COVID DATA:
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