HUDSON—Another life has been lost to the coronavirus in Columbia County.
The Columbia County Department (DOH) reported as May 9 at 2 p.m., a 19th Columbia County resident has died of Covid-19.
There have been 320 positive cases of the virus in Columbia County with 125 of the 320 total cases having recovered. Seven of the positive cases are hospitalized, 2 of those hospitalized are in the ICU. The DOH has received 2,083 completed test results for Columbia County residents; 184 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 14 under precautionary quarantine.
The Executive Order Columbia County sought last month from the New York State Department of Health that would keep summer camps closed during the Covid-19 crisis has been denied, Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said in the May 9 coronavirus update press release.
After consultation with the Columbia County Health Department and the County Attorney’s office, Chairman Murell said that despite the state’s decision, county DOH and county leaders stand behind their strong recommendation that summer camps not operate until further notice.
“The thinking at this time is that summer camps with children and counselors cannot properly maintain the social distancing necessary to keep everyone safe. With that in mind, we sincerely hope that summer camps remain closed until such time as health officials deem it safe,” Chairman Murell said in the release.
In the May 9 statewide Covid-19 snapshot, New York State reported that 1,121,543 tests for the virus had been administered statewide. Of that number, 330,407 yielded a positive result, said Columbia County Director of Emergency Management David W. Harrison, Jr.
There are currently 8,196 individuals hospitalized, with 604 newly hospitalized. At this time, statewide 21,045 have died from the virus.
Anyone who wants to donate 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 there is no answer, 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 pantries.
Monetary donations for the purchase of much-needed equipment for emergency responders, medical personnel and others on the front lines of the coronavirus fight can be sent via check in care of Columbia County, with coronavirus noted in the memo field. Mail the check to the Columbia County Controller’s Office, 401 State Street, Hudson 12534. All money received is being placed in a dedicated account.
A hotline has been established for the elderly and vulnerable in the county, including those with medical conditions or who are disabled and would welcome a deputy checking on their well-being on a daily basis. The number for the hotline is 518-828-0601 X 1400.
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 at www.facebook.com/Columbia-County-Department-of-Health-469399129790791/. The state’s coronavirus website, with up-to-the-minute information, can be found at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.