Thursday, October 29, 2020

CHAIRMAN’S PRESS RELEASE

NEW COVID-19 CASES KEEP COMING

On Thursday morning, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb reported nine new cases of COVID-19 in the county, bringing to 256 the number of individuals now under mandatory quarantine as a result of active cases.

Twenty-one Columbia County residents are currently hospitalized, with two receiving treatment in the ICU.

At Ghent Assisted Living, Ghent, 45 residents and 11 staff have now tested positive for COVID-19. Four individuals have died as a result of the outbreak that hit the facility last week.

The county Health Department has recently received several complaints regarding the wearing of face masks in business establishments and a local church, Director Mabb said Thursday, noting that the complaints will be investigated and possibly subject to fines under the governor’s new executive order.

“This virus spreads quickly and easily, and we all need to keep that in mind,” said Director Mabb. “To try to do everything we can as citizens to keep the spread as low as possible is a simple thing. If you go into a business, put on your mask. It’s that simple.”

“I would like to remind business owners that they were allowed to re-open earlier in the year under certain guidelines established by the governor,” said county Chairman Matt Murell. “Those guidelines, which remain in place, include enforcing the wearing of masks and maintaining social distance in their establishment. None of us want to see a business, or businesses, shut down should COVID-19 strike their business and force a 14-day shutdown.”

CORRECTION

On Monday, October 26, it was reported in the county chairman’s press release that a resident of the Firemen’s Home in Hudson had tested positive for the coronavirus. That information was erroneous. The positive was a staff member and not a resident.

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. 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 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.