HUDSON—The total number of Columbia County deaths due to the coronavirus is up to 32, according the Columbia County Department of Health’s (DOH) updated Covid-19 numbers as of Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m.
The health department reports that Columbia County has had 360 positive cases of Covid-19 and currently 139 are active cases. There are 65 additional residents on mandatory quarantine and 3 residents on precautionary quarantine.
Of the 360 total cases, 189 have recovered from the virus; 16 of the positive cases are hospitalized, none of the hospitalized cases is in the ICU.
The DOH has received 4,222 completed test results for Columbia County residents.
10 or less okay, but still wear masks
“Since yesterday, the Governor’s Executive Order has been amended to allow gatherings of 10 people or fewer. At the same time, I would like to remind everyone that the wearing of a facial covering and observing social distancing measures remains in effect as we continue to fight the coronavirus,” Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said in the May 23 county-issued Covid-19 update press release.
The Executive Order was modified “to permit any non-essential gathering of 10 or fewer individuals, for any lawful purpose or reason, provided that social distancing protocols and cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the Department of Health are adhered to.”
Maybe you’re not covered
Business owners who choose to open their business in violation of state guidelines are advised to consult their insurance carrier, Chairman Murell said in the release.
“As I understand it, insurance carriers may not cover business activities conducted under those circumstances,” he said.
Statewide Covid-19 snapshot
Columbia County Director of Emergency Management David W. Harrison, Jr., said in the May 23 release that New York State reported 1,600,793 tests for Covid-19 have been administered statewide. Of that number, 358,154 yielded a positive result. There are currently 4,844 individuals hospitalized, with 225 newly hospitalized. At this time statewide, 23,195 have died from the virus.
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.
Test clinics upcoming
The Columbia County Department of Health has scheduled two coronavirus testing clinics at 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.
