HUDSON—Another death at Pine Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Philmont the morning of Friday, April 10 brings the total number of Covid-19-related deaths there to four, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb said in the coronavirus update press release issued by Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt B. Murell, Friday, April 10.
“Overall, six Columbia County residents have succumbed to Covid-19. There are currently 83 positive test results out of 581 tested in the county,” Mr. Mabb said in the release.
“With the religious holiday weekend upon us, it remains just as important as ever that county residents continue to practice safe social distancing precautions. All of us have put in a lot of effort to date to help stop the spread of the coronavirus by keeping our distance, as difficult as that may be at times. Now, while we may be tempted to hold large family gatherings and observe religious services in groups this weekend, we have not yet reached the point where this can be done safely,” county Board of Supervisors Chairman Murell said in the release.
“We understand that people hear this all the time. We are also aware that some signs seem to be indicating that the impact of the disease on society may be on the decrease. Yet, as I’ve said previously, the reason the transmission of the virus seems to be slowing somewhat is due to everyone taking social distancing measures. I ask that all of us continue to do so for the well-being of everyone,” said Mr. Murell.
At the Columbia County Office for the Aging (OFA), Administrator Kevin McDonald said this week that while all county meal sites are closed until further notice, Meals on Wheels continues to deliver.
“All we ask is that recipients put a small table or chair outside near their front door—we’ll ring the bell, back up, and wait for someone to appear,” he said in the release.
Earlier in the coronavirus crisis, OFA distributed a week’s worth of shelf-stable meals to its Meals on Wheels recipients, and now plans to send out another round this coming week, according to Mr. McDonald.
“The shelf-stable meals are in case something happens and we are unable to get a hot meal to them, that they’ll still have something on hand to eat,” he said. An OFA staff member is present in the office every weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those seniors seeking assistance. The telephone number is 518-828-4258.
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 intended for the purchase of much-needed equipment for emergency responders, medical personnel, and others on the front lines of the coronavirus fight are being accepted.
Checks should be sent 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 12534. All money received is being placed in a dedicated account.
