HUDSON—Columbia County Emergency Management in conjunction with the County Facilities Department and Sheriff’s Office staff retrieved a shipment of medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the afternoon of April 28, from the New York State stockpile that included medical gloves, masks, and face shields, Emergency Management Director David W. Harrison, Jr., reported in the county’s Covid-19 update press release, Wednesday, April 29.
“The shipment is being separated and delivered today and tomorrow to eligible agencies: CMH, emergency services, nursing homes, etc.,” Director Harrison said.
“More PPE is still needed and medical PPE will continue to be an important part of the Covid-19 effort. I believe we are in a somewhat better position than a month ago, since some agencies are reporting that their usual suppliers are now providing limited amounts from orders placed previously. It’s my understanding, however, that many agencies are still far from having the amounts of PPE needed,” he said.
The closure of public county buildings has been extended through May 15, Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell announced April 29.
“We will revisit this in May, as we all continue to look forward to the day when things return more to what we’ve known in the past,” Mr. Murell said in the release.
Essential departments must report to their respective offices: 911, Communications, Sheriff, Corrections, Public Health, Office for the Aging, Highway, Solid Waste, MIS, Board of Elections, District Attorney, DSS, and Facilities. All other staff will be working from home as assigned by the their department heads.
The County Clerks office is open by appointment to process dealer work and necessary county clerk work.
For all business-related matters for a specific department, contact that department directly. A department directory may be found at: www.columbiacountyny.com.
In the county Department of Health’s (DOH) daily update on coronavirus numbers as of April 29 at 3 p.m., the DOH reported 13 community members have died of Covid-19; there are now 175 positive cases of Covid-19; 88 of the 175 cases have recovered; 15 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 5 of those hospitalized are in the ICU. The DOH has received 1,279 completed test results for Columbia County residents; 141 residents are under mandatory quarantine and 16 under precautionary quarantine.
The county has received new monetary donations toward the purchase of additional coronavirus testing kits, the Chairman Murell said in the release. Prior public donations amounted to $29,135. Now $270 has been added to that donation total: $100 from Fran Lubow; $150 from Lendon and James Kuhns; and $20 from Gigi Giacomara.
“It’s heartening to see this type of commitment from citizens in our fight against Covid-19. The money is very helpful as we look to do as much testing as possible in the county,” said the chairman.
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.