News

‘Tis the season. The month of April in New York brings the opening of trout fishing season. In this unique time, fishing seems like a good way to be outside and also far away from other people. Alianna Borgos was fishing with Ariel Soler and her father Angel Borgos. They came down from Defreestville to this beautiful favored fishing spot on the Kinderhook Creek north of Malden Bridge. Angel is a member of Trout Unlimited, but he wasn’t fishing on Monday because with government offices closed, he was unable to get a license for himself. His job was to keep the lines untangled. (L-r): Angel Borgos, Aliana Borgos and Ariel Soler. Photo by David Lee

Health dept. reports fifth death, sees testing trend

by STAFF

HUDSON—A fifth person has died of Covid-19 in Columbia County as of April 9 at 3 p.m. Additionally the Columbia County Health Department reports:
*83 positive cases of Covid-19
*32 of the 83 cases have recovered from Covid-19
*9 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 1 of those is in the ICU
*558 completed test results have been received for Columbia County residents
*80 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 19 under precautionary quarantine
*There are 15 residents with suspected, not tested cases
The department has created charts representing the information reported in their daily updates that can be viewed at https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/…/coronavirus-covid…/

With more than 500 coronavirus tests administered to county residents, the current number of 80 positives is yielding a positive/negative ratio of roughly one in seven, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb said in the Covid-19 update press release issued by Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt B. Murell, Thursday, April 9.

“That’s similar to what we’ve been seeing in other areas. Keep in mind that we haven’t been testing anyone who’s not symptomatic or otherwise has had contact with someone with Covid-19. Social distancing has definitely helped the situation,” Mr. Mabb said in the release. Read more…

County gets ‘D’ in social distancing

by STAFF

HUDSON—The Columbia County Department of Health (DOH) has ordered 1,000 coronavirus test kits as of April 8, according to Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell’s daily Covid-19 update press release.

The kits, Thermo Fisher Kits offered by Command Sourcing, Inc., are expected to ship at the end of next week. The total cost for the kits will be $12,000.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to conduct more extensive testing in the county. Testing is key to understanding the extent of the disease—and aiding in the fight against it—in our community,” County DOH Director Jack Mabb said earlier in the week. Read more…

Delgado returns to phone to brief 19th District

by LORNA CHEROT LITTLEWAY

RHINEBECK–Representative Antonio Delgado (D-19th) held his third tele-town hall April 3, focusing on federal programs to assist individuals and small businesses harmed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The congressman was joined by: Assemblyman Chris Tague (R-102nd); Dan Rickman, deputy director of the federal Small Business Administration regional office in Syracuse; and Ulster County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith.

The phone-in town hall ran slightly over one hour, with Rep. Delgado fielding 10 questions overall from constituents in Cobbleskill, Saugerties, Oswego, Columbia, Dutchess and Greene counties. In his opening remarks, Mr. Delgado expressed a “heartfelt thank you to first responders,” adding that people are “grateful for their bravery” and declaring, “New York State is most in need.”

He summarized the state’s situation on that day as more than 100,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus illness in 32 counties. He cited relief efforts aimed at locating additional ventilators, with 2000 coming from the military and commitment by General Motors to manufacture 10,000 ventilators per month. He said as of the day of the call that New York had 160,000 ventilators available. Read more…

Delgado talks by phone to voters Thursday, April 9

by STAFF

RHINEBECK—Congressman Antonio Delgado (D-19th) will hold his fourth weekly telephone town hall Thursday, April 9, 2020 from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. The focus of the event will be the coronavirus. To participate, call 1-855-905-3295.

In a statement accompanying the notice of the call, Rep. Delgado said, “This public health emergency continues to impact and challenge our way of life in upstate New York. I am working to listen to folks and remain transparent and accessible during this unprecedented time. To that end, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues, my office will host weekly telephone town halls to connect our community with local elected officials, health care professionals and small business leaders throughout New York’s 19th Congressional District.” Read more…

Virus claims fourth life; ignore rumors

by STAFF

HUDSON—A fourth person’s life has been claimed by the coronavirus in Columbia County.

Columbia County Department of Health (DOH) Director Jack Mabb reported the death in the April 7 coronavirus update press release issued by Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell.

“All four individuals who have died in the county are seniors with comorbidities,” Mr. Mabb said. Read more…