HUDSON—Two more county residents have succumbed to the coronavirus since yesterday, bringing the total number of deaths to 31, according the Columbia County Department of Health’s (DOH) updated Covid-19 numbers as of May 22 at 2 p.m.
The health department reports that Columbia County has had 360 positive cases of Covid-19 and currently 142 are active cases. There are 61 additional residents on mandatory quarantine and 3 residents on precautionary quarantine.
Of the 360 total cases, 188 have recovered from the virus; 17 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 1 of those hospitalized is in the ICU.
The DOH has received 3,961 completed test results for Columbia County residents.
Following is the county health department’s breakdown of total confirmed, positive cases of Covid-19 in Columbia County by municipality and nursing home: Ancram 5, Canaan 9, Chatham 15, Claverack 8, Clermont 4, Copake 17, Germantown 8, Ghent 16, Greenport 13, Hillsdale 8, Hudson 32, Kinderhook 37, Livingston 8, New Lebanon 4, Stockport 1, Stuyvesant 9, Livingston Hills 2, Pine Haven 37, The Grand at Barnwell 127.
Gathering limits clarified
Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said in the county’s May 22 virus update press release that under Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order, gatherings of 10 or fewer individuals are permitted for Memorial Day observances and religious gatherings provided social distancing and cleaning measures are practiced.
The portion of the Executive Order addressing gathering limits also says that “any drive-in or remote religious service may continue in excess of the 10 person limit so long as there is no in-person contact between participants. Vehicle caravans are permitted.”
Food distributed next week
On Tuesday, May 26 from 10 a.m. until the food is gone, local food pantries and Catholic Charities will distribute food, fresh fruit, vegetables and other items at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 142 Hudson Avenue (Route 66) in Chatham.
Organizers ask that no one arrive until 10 a.m. to prevent large crowds. Those in vehicles are asked to remain in them, while pedestrians are reminded to practice social distancing. “Adhering to these instructions will allow us to distribute food in a timely fashion,” said organizers.
Three test clinics upcoming; new date, time in Chatham
Recently, the Columbia County Department of Health announced a pair of coronavirus testing clinics set for the John L. Edwards Elementary School, 360 State Street, Hudson, Wednesday, May 27 and Tuesday, June 2, both take place from 10 a.m. to noon. A third clinic is set for Sunday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 142 Hudson Avenue (Route 66) in Chatham.
Signup instructions and further instructions regarding the John L. Edwards clinics can be found on the health department’s webpage www.columbiacountynyhealth.com or by calling 518-828-3358.
Columbia Comeback meets
The next meeting of Columbia Comeback is planned for Tuesday, May 26 at 1 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and can be accessed at https://columbiacomeback.com
Columbia Comeback was established by Chairman Murell as a resource for local businesses as they work to safely and successfully reopen under state guidelines.
Donations welcome
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.