HUDSON—Columbia County has received a donation of $10,000 for the purchase of coronavirus test kits, county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said in his April 2 coronavirus update press release.
As of 3:45 pm, April 2, 2020, Columbia County has confirmed 51 positive cases of COVID-19. Two of the positive cases have passed away. Five of the positive cases are hospitalized, two of those are in the ICU. The department has received 401 test results completed for Columbia County residents. There are 61 under mandatory quarantine and 25 under precautionary quarantine. There are 10 residents with suspected, not tested cases. Twenty-two Columbia County residents have recovered from COVID-19, according to an April 2 update from the Columbia County Department of Health. https://www.
The donation, made by Jack Shear of Spencertown, is to be dedicated to the purchase of test kits for use by the county Department of Health.
“Jack came to me and asked where he could help. When he learned of the need for funds to purchase test kits, he was more than willing to help. We can’t thank him enough,” Austerlitz Town Supervisor Rob Lagonia said in the release.
Mr. Murell said the county is currently looking at its resources to determine if there are county funds that can be put toward purchase of the kits.
“The Board recognizes the importance of the county Department of Health’s goal to conduct widespread coronavirus testing here. We intend to support their efforts in this crisis to the best of our ability,” Chairman Murell said.
“This is fantastic news. It helps fulfill the governor’s desire to test and test and test. This will give us an opportunity to better determine the extent of the virus in our community,” Jack Mabb, director of the county Department of Health, said in the release.
The state’s coronavirus website, with up-to-the-minute information, can be found at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home.
Anyone who wants to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, face shields, and gowns, is 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 pantries.
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/
