HUDSON—The Columbia County Department of Health (DOH) has set the dates for two upcoming coronavirus testing clinics, DOH Director Jack Mabb said in the Thursday, May 14 county-issued Covid-19 update press release. Both are scheduled at the John L. Edwards Elementary School, 360 State Street, Hudson.
The dates are Wednesday, May 27 and Tuesday, June 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We are looking for individuals who are symptomatic, or have experienced symptoms in the recent past,” said Director Mabb. Additional information, including signup instructions, can be found on the Health Department’s webpage on the Columbia County website or by calling 518-828-3358.
Not business as usual
County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said in the May 14 release that the county is aware of businesses that are attempting to conduct business in disregard of the state’s New York on PAUSE order.
“We have received complaints about PAUSE being violated in the county. We are working with municipalities to address those complaints, which are considered building and zoning code issues and therefore a town, village, or city matter. I remind everyone that the county is required to follow the proper procedures regarding the handling of complaints or potentially face state penalties,” said the chairman.
He noted that the Capital Region has satisfied five of the seven metrics set forth by the state in order for a region to begin reopening its economy under Phase I of the four-phase plan.
Hospitalizations spike
Overnight, Columbia County went from 6 to10 hospitalizations as a result of Covid-19, DOH Director Mabb said May 14.
“This is not an abnormal development—we have experienced hospitalizations as high as 15. While every individual is of concern to me and the department, when the county is looked at as a region it’s not that big of a bump in the New York on PAUSE picture,” Mr. Mabb said.
For up-to-date information on where the Capital Region, of which Columbia County is a part, stands regarding the factors that affect its ability to begin reopening its economy, visit New York Forward at https://forward.ny.gov/
Today’s numbers
The death toll from Covid-19 remains at 24 as of May 14 at 3 p.m.
The county has had 333 positive cases of Covid-19; 150 of the 333 cases have recovered from the virus; 11 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 1 of those hospitalized is in the ICU.
The DOH has received the completed results of 2,734 tests for Columbia County residents; 151 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 7 under precautionary quarantine.
County State of Emergency, building closures still in effect
Chairman Murell said that the closure of county buildings to the public has been extended through May 22. Departments deemed essential will continue to be staffed and will accept appointments from the public.
“Although in the past we have extended building closures in two-week increments, we are now planning to proceed one week at a time, with an eye to being able to quickly open up when the state gives us the go-ahead,” he said.
In addition, the state of emergency currently in effect in Columbia County has been extended to June 15.
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.
