CORONAVIRUS CANCELLATIONS IN OUR AREA March 15 8:00 PM
Dear Taconic Hills Families and Community,
In anticipation of a State of Emergency being declared by Columbia County tomorrow, Monday, March 15th, the Taconic Hills Central School District will have the authority to cancel classes on an extended basis from Wednesday (3/18) through Friday (3/27). While classes are cancelled, we plan to provide meals for all students and are working to set this up as soon as possible. We will notify families in the coming days about how this will take place. On Monday and Tuesday (3/16 & 3/17) students and staff will be in session. We encourage parents to please send children to school on these days so we can supply them with needed materials for the remainder of the week. Friday (3/20) is a planned Superintendent's Conference Day for staff that will still be held. At a meeting with local superintendents in the Questar region this afternoon, we learned there continues to be no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County. However, the situation continues to evolve rapidly and we will be communicating with you as developments impact our planning. We will continue to follow guidance from our local government, health and state education departments and provide additional information as soon as possible. Please continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations – including thorough hand washing – to stay safe and healthy. If you are sick, please consult with a physician. Columbia Memorial Hospital has a COVID-19 hotline (518-329-5902) with testing available for anyone who has the symptoms of the Coronavirus.
In alignment with efforts to encourage people to isolate to slow down the spread of COVID-19, Twelve Moons Coffee House has cancelled the April 5, 2020 event.The featured performer has been re-booked to a future date.
We remain hopeful that when the time comes for our May 2 event, this will all be behind us. We will follow the recommendations of health experts and will keep you updated as we get closer to the May event.
In the meantime, keep well, keep calm, and listen to your favorite music!
The Senior Nutrition Program at the Falls Village Senior Center has been suspended and lunch will not be served as well as all senior activities and outings have been suspended until further notice due to the Corona 19 Virus. If you are in need or would like meals during this time, please contact the Western CT Area on Aging at 203.757.5449 to set up Meals on Wheels home delivery. They will provide 2 meals 1 hot & 1 cold daily Monday-Friday. The suggested donation is $5.00 per day. For updates on when the Nutrition Center & Senior Center may reopen, please check the Town website at canaanfallsvillage.org or call Falls Village Senior Center @ 860.824.9855.
KENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
We want to check in with all
our supporters, neighbors and friends
and send you all good wishes.
In midst of the outbreak of this virus we have chosen to close the doors of KHS until further notice.
We of course will be here working and will be available
via email for any inquiries you may have.
Thank you and stay well and safe!
Greater Grace Community Church- Dover Plains, NY.
With the quickly changing situation, our elders realized that our church could not take the chance on being a vector in the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, we are canceling the services for March 15, at Greater Grace Community Church in Dover Plains.
Webutuck Teachers' Association
Dear Webutuck families,
Next week, we will be available to distribute homework packets, iPads for grades one and up, as well as breakfast and lunch. If you need access to schoolwork or food, please let us know if you can pick up or if you need these items delivered. Write an email to [emailprotected] In the email let us know what you need, the name of your child/children and your address if you need things delivered.
More COVID-19 info fo Millerton community
This notice is on behalf of both the Town of North East and the Village of Millerton.
Mayor Debbie Middlebrook and I have been, and will continue to be, in close touch with Dutchess County’s Emergency Response Center. Yesterday we participated in a conference call held by County Executive Marc Molinaro with other Dutchess County Mayors and Supervisors. Dutchess County, along with Orange and Ulster Counties, have each issued a State of Emergency declaration as of Friday March 13. Residents of Millerton & North East are encouraged to visit Dutchess County’s websitewww.dutchessny.gov/coronavirusfor additional information and updates, but here are a few of the most important takeaways:
In the interests of slowing the spread of this virus, and to the maximum extent possible, residents of Millerton and North East are urged to minimize social interaction. Anyone who feels ill is asked to stay at home. Public gatherings and meetings of more than 20 people are being suspended or cancelled. Restaurants and theaters are being asked to limit the number of patrons to not more than half of their stated capacity.
People who feel they might be symptomatic for COVID-19 should contact their doctor or health care provider first. It is important to make the call before going to a doctor's office or hospital. If you are unable to reach your health care provider, call 9-1-1 for further instructions.
All schools in Dutchess County, both public and private, and including extra-curricular activities, will be closed for two weeks, starting on Monday. This does not include private daycare facilities, Head Start or other daycare programs
At least four mobile sites are being organized to administer COVID-19 tests. The location of those sites will be identified on the Dutchess County website, when they are operational.
Town of North East and Village of Millerton offices will be open next week for Town and Village employees to conduct essential business. Anyone with urgent business with either the Town or the Village is asked to reach out to the appropriate person before entering our facilities. We will try to post further information on our respective websites.
Chris Kennan
Supervisor, Town of North East
Email: [emailprotected]
Mobile: 518-466-3898
Debbie Middlebrook
Mayor, Village of Millerton
Email: [emailprotected]
Mobile: 518-915-0596
Canaan United Methodist Church, Canaan, CT
will not be holding Sunday worship service
March 15th & March 22nd Per the order of the Bishop
St Joseph church in Canaan,CT is closed and Bingo at Bitterman
Center closed as of 23 March 2020
The Bishop and Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut (ECCT) have strongly urged parishes to suspend worship for two weeks to help with mitigation of the coronavirus in the state.
Accordingly, after consultation, and because so many of our members are at risk, we are suspending all gatherings at St. Andrew's in Kent for two weeks.
We will monitor the situation as we go. The Parish Office will be open as usual, but parishioners are encouraged to contact us as needed by phone or email.
Sharon Historical Society and Museum will be closed to the public today through March 28. Staff will be available via phone at 860-364-5688 and [emailprotected] during regular hours, Wednesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery’s opening reception for Northlight Art Center’s 10th annual student show scheduled for today has been canceled.
Litchfield Hills Probate District offices in Litchfield and Canaan have suspended the processing of applications for passports until at least April 30 due to the coronavirus threat.
Our Lady of the Valley on Maple Avenue in Sheffield has cancelled Sunday masses and all church activities until further notice.
Berkshire South Regional Community Center will be cancelling larger community group gatherings for 2 weeks starting Monday, March 16th. There will be no Community Supper, Berkshire Ukulele Band or Berkshire Sings program from March 16-March 27.
Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust has canceled its March events. The hiking trails will remain open. Call 860-860-927-1927 for trail recommendations. Also, Kent Memorial Library has postponed or canceled all programs through Tuesday. The library will remain open, however, until further notice.
Webster Bank has decided to temporarily halt our March Food Drive. We understand that the current status of our footprint may be experiencing hardships of their own. However please keep in mind the less fortunate
The Kent Art Associations Members Show scheduled to open March 21 has been cancelled
The Little Guild in West Cornwall in the face of the CCOVID-10 pandemic will be closed to visitors thru March 18
BMC, Fairview and all other BHS facilities and personnel are adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Department of Public Health guidelines to control the spread and manage the consequences of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are not experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough) and have not either been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus or been to an area where the virus is prevalent, you should feel free to keep your scheduled doctors’ appointments. However, if you are feeling sick, especially with cold or flu-like symptoms, please call your doctor or other provider’s office before coming in so that appropriate arrangements can be made for your visit. If you are feeling cold or flu-like symptoms and would like advice, please call our Hotline at 855-262-5465.
Due to the decision of our county executives to close the schools in Dutchess County for 2 weeks, the Dover Plains library will close for the safety of our patrons and staff starting on Monday the 16th. We will be open tomorrow for all your last minute library needs. We will reassess opening the following Monday as things progress. In the meantime the book drop will be available if people need to return items. No fines will be accrued during any of the time that we are closed or that the schools are closed. Don't forget you can download audio books and ebooks through the library's website. Look for the Overdrive shortcut on our page. We will post updates as we get them. Stay safe everyone!
The budget presentations from the North Canaan Board of Selectmen and Board of Education scheduled for next week have been postponed. The new tentative date has been set for April 7th at 7pm. We will be doing both on the same night. This date is tentative depending on the COVID-19 situation. Thank you for understanding
Weekend Update from Taconic Hills Regarding Coronavirus [COVID-19]
Dear Parents/Guardians & Community Members,
While the Taconic Hills Central School District does not currently have any confirmed cases of novel coronavirus [COVID-19] within our school community, we are continuing to prepare for the potential for school to be shut down.
Students in Grades 6-12 are asked to bring their laptops and chargers and textbooks home with them each day. Students in the Elementary are being sent home with lessons based on the possibility of closure. These lessons are only to be used in the event of school closure.
We are taking further precautionary measures based on the most recent guidance from the New York State Department of Health, Columbia County Department of Health and other agencies to help reduce potential exposure to COVID-19.
Events Postponed - All after-school events have been postponed or canceled until further notice. Success Fest & Dodgeball have been canceled for this weekend with a new date set for the beginning of the next school year. Grades 3-4 Concert scheduled for next week is postponed.
Closings - The Pool and Fitness center will be closed to the public until further notice (effective today 3/13). All outside events (use of PAC, gymnasiums, outside fields, etc) on campus have been canceled.
Athletics - Spring sports will continue with practices. All scrimmages, games and meets are postponed at this time.
Before & After School Program will continue to operate as scheduled at this time.
Board meetings and workshops will continue along as planned.
These closures and postponements will minimize the risk of contagions and allow for our Buildings and Grounds staff to continue to clean and maintain a healthy campus. We are receiving continuous updates from local, state and federal agencies and are taking these measures out of an abundance of caution. We appreciate the support of the Taconic Hills community during this time and will continue to keep you informed as any situation arises.
Dutchess County is now in a state of emergency, all schools closed for 2 weeks
Region One Schools closed two weeks
SBRSD and SBCCP are currently closed with an intended return date of March 30th.
This closure is not an easy decision, but being done out of extreme caution on containing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and in the best interest of students, staff, and public health.
Monument Mountain High School just announced they will close for 2 weeks
Torrington School District CLOSED thru March 30
NW CT Comm College-Winsted: Closed On-Line Class
Update, March 12: To continuously ensure a healthy and safe environment for patients, staff and visitors amid coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, Nuvance Health has updated the visitation policies for all of our hospital locations, including Sharon Hospital.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are limiting visitation to the following:
- No children under 15
- Inpatient, outpatient, emergency departments: 1 visitor per 1 patient per day
- Family birth center, pediatric units, NICU: 2 visitors per 1 patient per day
Additionally, we’re asking our community to please only visit the hospital if you feel it is absolutely necessary because you have a close relationship with the patient and visiting them can’t wait until they are home. We encourage virtual visits by using video messaging on mobile devices.
Please be advised that groups that visit the hospital to see a patient will be kindly asked to return home, and only have one person from the group stay to visit the patient. This temporary policy change does not apply if extenuating circ*mstances exist, such as visiting patients who are receiving end-of-life care. Patients and families should discuss other special circ*mstances for visiting with a member of their care team. All visitors are being screened for symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, difficulty breathing/shortness of breath. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you and your family. For updates, checkhttps://bit.ly/2TVqkgQ. We thank you for your cooperation.
The Pine Plains FFA Toy March 21 Toy show postponed for now
Sadly Cabin Fever at the Grove is canceled this year. Hopefully we can gather at some point when the current state of affairs resolves. Stay safe and well.
Infinity in Norfolk is closed for 6 weeks
Dewey Hallr all events are canceled until at least April.
Note from The Woodland : Out of an abundance of caution we have implemented additional cleaning measures above the Department of Health standards to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. For your convenience we are now offering pay-by-phone delivery or curbside pick up. For eligible deliveries there will be a 10% delivery fee. Delivery will be available to Lakeville, Sharon, Salisbury & Millerton. Menu & Specials are posted atthewoodlandrestaurant.com
Dear Tri-State Chamber Sponsors & Members-
In light of the current state of affairs surrounding the Coronavirus, it seems to only make sense for TSC to follow suit in regard to trying to manage the potential spread of the virus by postponing events such as Business After Hours. For now we will only say that the BAH scheduled for March 19 at Great Falls Brewery will be postponed to a future date, to be determined.
Sharon Playhouse has postponed until a later date their next show on Saturday, March 21 Song and Dance Men(Featuring Justin Boccitto)
Catamount has closed for the season....
Mohawk Mountain is closed for the season
The Bargain Barn in Sharon is not acepting donations until furthur notice, but will remain open for now Tuesday thru Saturday 10-3
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
At this time, the Town of Salisbury is trying to limit public exposure with the best interests in mind for our community.
The Town Hall will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, during normal business hours. (9am-12:30pm & 1:30-4pm)
• On Tuesday and Thursday, Employees will be in their offices to accept calls and emails but the building will NOT be open to the public.
Region One Schools will be CLOSED, starting Monday, March 16 for 2 weeks or TBD. Salisbury Senior Services Activities: All programs are CANCELLED until further notice.
AARP Tax-Aide: We will continue doing taxes at this time. For More Info: Call Lisa McAuliffe at 860-435-5186.
Senior Nutrition program: at the Town Grove has been suspended and lunch will not be served until further notice due to the Corona 19 virus. If you are in need or would like meals during this time please contact the Western CT Area on Aging at 203-757-5449 to set up meals on wheels home delivery. They will provide 2 meals 1 hot and 1 cold daily Monday – Friday. The suggested donation is $5.00 per day. For updates on when the nutrition center may reopen, please check the town website Salisburyct.us or call Lisa McAuliffe at 860 435-5186.
Transfer Station: Will remain open, but the Swap/Shop will be CLOSED. Recreation: All Salisbury Recreation sports are cancelled until further notice.
Town Office Phone Numbers:
First Selectman’s Office: 860-435-5170 Town Clerk: 860-435-5182
Tax Collector: 860-435-5189
Assessor: 860-435-5176
Transfer Station: 860-435-5178
Senior Services/Recreation: 860-435-5186
Building Department: 860-435-5177
Resident Trooper: 860-435-2938. IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, CALL: 9-1-1 Family Services: 860-435-5187
Planning & Zoning: 860-435-5190
For GENERAL questions please call 860-435-5170 or you can email: [emailprotected]
The fundraiser for Peggy Ackerman scheduled for April 4 has been cancelled due to public health concerns. The Fire Company will be accepting donations with checks being sent in with the memo Peggy Fund, as for another date its unknown, but donations are being accepted.
Dear Friends of the Douglas Library, North Canaan:
Given the circ*mstances in our community and at large, we are taking a proactive approach while remaining open at this time. Our staff will continue to disinfect public surfaces daily as well as doing the same to returned books and materials. The internet computers are also disinfected several times a day. We only ask that if you are not feeling well, that you avoid coming to the library. If we find it necessary to close or reduce hours, we will post that information here. We are in daily contact with the town 1st Selectman and will follow his directives. Please feel free to call for further information: 860-824-7863.
After much thought and deliberation we have decided to cancel all programs at the Scoville Library through the end of March. We are not sure when or if some programs will get rescheduled. The library will remain open at its usual hours. This may change and if so, we will communicate via email and social media. We are going to try an experiment with virtual programming, starting with the Clutter Workshop scheduled for March 21. We will be using a free teleconferencing program called Zoom. To partcicipate, you will need a computer, tablet or phone and Zoom. We will contact those of you who have signed up. One or two other programs may get presented in the same manner Mark Scarbrough will finish his multi-part series on Toni Morisson in May, assuming no further impediments. White Hart Speaker Series, "The Earth Is In Her Hands" will be presented as scheduled. Please see below,
The library is continually sanitizing high touch surfaces throughout the building and hand sanitizer is available. We request that you use common sense when visiting the library. If you are coughing or sneezing for whatever reason please stay home. We are asking people to wash their hands when they enter the Library. If you have any doubts about where you have been or contacts you have had please err on the side of caution. As always we love to see you but we all want to be safe. For those of you in self quarantine or just reducing your library visits we do deliver. We also have a wonderful array of on-line movies, ebooks, and eaudios.
Using Hoopla and Kanopy you could watch a movie a day for the rest of the month. Even more amazing are the Great Courses. You can watch as many episodes of them as you like, there is no limit to the number of views.
Our #1 priority at The Moviehouse is the health and safety of our patrons & employees! The risk of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the Millerton area is considered to be low. We continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local and state public health authorities.
We have implemented additional precautionary measures including increased frequency of cleaning our theaters and common areas. Our staff are diligently following the recommended protocols, including frequent hand washing, and have been instructed to stay home if they feel ill. We ask you all to do the same. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon will be closed until further notice. We encourage our patrons to access our digital collections while we are closed. Updated information will be posted on our website.
BothThe Mahaiwe Theatre in Great Baarrington and The Warner Theatre in Torrington are cancelling all shows until furthur notice
Exchange Club of Canaan cancellingMarch 17 Dinner/Meeting
The Swap Shop is closed at the Salisbury Sharon Transfer Station until further notice.
The retreat at Camp Isabella Freeman in Falls Village has been cancelled for going forward until the threat of the Coronaviris is lessened
14th Colony Art Show at Noble Horizons is cancelled
Amenia fire company the pancake breakfast scheduled for this weekend 3/15/20 has been postponed, amid recent health concerns pertaining to the COVID-19 virus. We will let the community know when the next one will be scheduled
Due to concerns regarding COVID-19, Berkshire Grown has cancelled the indoor farmers market scheduled for Saturday, March 21.
The Jane Lloyd Fund
After much consideration we have made the decision to postpone The Harlem Line Dance at the White Hart on March 28th. We will rebook for a later date and will keep you posted! Please stay healthy and take good care!
Crescendo is postponing its upcoming March and April concerts.
The Harlem Wizards Basketball game at HVRHS is postponed tickets will be honored at the rescheduled date
Due to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the following events have been canceled at the Sharon Audubon Center, located on Route 4 in Sharon, Connecticut. 2020 MapleFest and Maple Bake - Saturday, March 21, 2020...Bats: Earth's Allies - Friday, March 27, 2020
For other event, program, and center hour updates, please visit the center’s website an our Facebook page at and/or call the center at 860-364-0520.
Please note that the CBD event scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2020 @ 1:30pm at The Lodge at Geer Village has been cancelled due to precautions related to the COVID-19 virus.
Kent Memorial Library has canceled its programs through Tuesday.
In response to the Massachusetts State of Emergency announced this week Great Barrington has stepped up preventive actions to help reduce residents’ risk of exposure to, or transmission of, the COVID-19 virus.
The town has taken the following steps, effective immediately:
Suspending non-essential meetings of town board and committees until further notice.· Suspending SELECT classes and fitness activities at the Claire Teague Senior, but the Center remains open for community meals and routine appointments with Center staff. Call ahead to see if your class is still happening: (413) 528-1881. Lifting the town’s ban on the sale of single-use plastic water bottles until April 30, 2020, at which time the measure will be reviewed.· Discouraging residents from hosting or attending larger public or private gatherings. The town will make efforts to ensure that essential town meetings will be televised by CTSB-TV, so that residents can remain informed without attending in person. Town Hall will remain open to provide essential services to residents at this time. However, the town encourages residents to make payments for taxes or other town bills at the town website. The town will continue to update residents with information on the town website, social media and traditional media outlets.
Sugar Hill Assisted Living in Dalton is canceling programs open to the public, including support groups.
Thursday night Breaking Bread in Sheffield is suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus
The organizers of the Dewey Sessions Lenox (March 21) and Sheffield (March 28) Contra Dances have cancelled the March Social Dances
Berkshire Housing has canceled the March First Time Home Buyers course. It will be rescheduled for sometime in May. The June class (which they were hosting) will likely be postponed
OLLI, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College, is canceling or postponing events through March 22.
Clark Art Institute: Events canceled from March 14 through April 30, 2020, but museum galleries remain open.
Norman Rockwell Museum is suspending public programs for the present time through March 31, though galleries remain open.
Hevreh of Southern Berkshire is suspending all gatherings ● worship, classes, outside groups, committee meetings, etc.
The Stissing Center in Pine Plains announced that it would postpone its spring series of events, which were scheduled to be announced this week and performances set to start in late April.
To the Residents of the Village and Town of Rhinebeck-
Our department is asking you to please follow these precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak: If you are quarantined (mandatory or self imposed) in your home due to possible or confirmed COVID-19 exposure, PLEASE notify 911 when you call and advise the dispatcher. We also ask that you place a sign/note on your front door to alert our personnel to take infection-prevention precautions before entering your home or business.
We need to protect our crews so that they will be able to continue to meet the emergency needs of the community. Elsewhere, there have been entire fire companies quarantined after they have responded to quarantined homes and were not alerted before entering. Those first responders are now unavailable to help anyone for at least 14 days.
In our small department we cannot afford to have this happen and being VOLUNTEERS we do not want to have to take it home to our families.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding
The coronavirus is forcing the Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie and UPAC in Kingston to close for at least 30 days.
An Announcement From the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
Ladies' Night Out has been postponed, with a tentative new date at the end of April. Please call the Chamber office at 413-528-4284 with questions, or email [emailprotected]
Town of Otis update, March 12, 2020
The Otis Council on Aging has decided to close the Senior Center through March 30, 2020. The potluck luncheon on March 18th is also cancelled. With people over 60 in the highest risk category and the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency, they felt it prudent to close for this period of time. We support their decision.The Otis Rec Center has closed the exercise room and equipment and cancelled their drop-in classes. The exercise equipment in particular can not be monitored for cleaning after hours and at this time it seems not in the public's interest for it to remain in use. Please see the Rec Center page for specific details. We support their decision.
The Rescue Squad is short staffed but in service.
We continue to monitor closely information from Mass DPH, CDC and local officials to gather the most current information to pass on.
Visit the website for more information
Town of Monterey update, March 11, 2020
The Regional Council on Aging Meeting on Monday, March 16 at 10 a.m. at the Community Center has been canceled.The Monterey Council on Aging meeting on Monday , March 16 at 9 a.m. at the Community Center has been canceled.The Monterey Community Potluck Dinner on March 18th at the Meetinghouse at 6 p.m. has been canceled.The Peter Poirier Concert at the Community Center at 1 p.m. on March 18th has been canceled.
No rescheduling at this time. Visit the website for more information
Sheffield, MA
Get your flu shot. Although the flu shot will not protect you from
COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu, which has similar symptoms
to this coronavirus, including fever, coughing, and trouble with
breathing.or If you have any of these symptoms, please see your healthcare
provider immediately; if you come into contact with someone
exhibiting these symptoms, politely suggest that they see their
health care provider immediately.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or
coughing, or sneeze or cough into your inner elbow area — do not
use your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Do not touch your face (mouth, eyes, nose) with unwashed hands.
Stay at home if you do not feel well. If you have flu-like symptoms,
contact your health care provider immediately.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, particularly those
exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, and difficulty
with breathing.
Clean (disinfect) frequently-touched objects and surfaces such as
door handles, phones, cell phones, keyboards.
Face masks are only recommended if directed by a health care provider.
For additional information and updates go to:
www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
AN UPDATE ON LOCAL EFFORTS TO COMBAT COVID-19
COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HEALTH
We've established a hotline for persons concerned that they may have contracted the virus. If you have a fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, or if you have reason to believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus, please call the hotline at 518-828-8249. A trained staff member will provide guidance concerning testing, care and protective protocols.To best protect you, our patients, our staff and the public, it is very important that you call this number before seeking testing or care for a coronavirus related concern. As always, if there is an emergent need for care of any kind, come directly to the ER without delay.We will provide updates as the situation evolves. It is important to remember over 80% of those infected with coronavirus have only mild symptoms. The best thing we all can do is to remain calm and follow the CDC recommendations to help prevent the virus from spreading. See the recommendations HERE.Do your part: stay calm, focus on prevention and call the hotline if you have the symptoms listed above or have been exposed to a confirmed positive case.
COLUMBIA COUNTY PREPARES FOR CORONAVIRUS
HUDSON -- “The Columbia County Board of Supervisors and county personnel are taking all precautions in the fight against the coronavirus, or COVID-19. This includes protecting our residents to the extent possible and making plans for the county to continue carrying out its business in the event a major outbreak occurs here,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said today. The county is monitoring the situation and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), NYS departments of Health and Education, and the Columbia County Department of Health.
At the county Department of Health, Public Health Director Jack Mabb called COVID-19 an “incredibly fluid situation. The CDC is screening people as they come into the country if they have a fever, or if they have a travel history” involving one of the countries with people who have been infected.
If a county resident tests positive in that situation, or if they have traveled to a country with people who have tested positive, county DoH is notified. Its job is to then make sure that the resident is able to effectively self-quarantine.Mabb said the county is also working closely with leadership of the six county school districts on COVID-19 response.To keep-up-to date on announcements pertaining to COVID-19, the county Department of Health website can be found atcolumbiacountynyhealth.com.
Director of Emergency Management David Harrison said that county leaders “have been involved in insuring that all county departments and services can continue” in the event of a widespread outbreak here.Repeating the words of Emergency Management’s Harrison, McDonald added, “The last thing we want to do is panic people.” As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventative measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:
· Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
· Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
· Stay home when you are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with the crease of your elbow.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed by your physician.
