Covid case numbers stable, but still high
The number of new Covid-19 cases is at a plateau, as expected by County Health Director Jack Mabb, with an average of about 20 per day. According to the New York Times Covid Dashboard, county “cases have decreased recently but are still very high. The number of hospitalized Covid patients has also fallen in the Columbia County area. Deaths have remained at about the same level. The test positivity rate in Columbia County is very high, suggesting that cases are being significantly undercounted.”
Mask mandate information
The statewide mask-or-vaccination mandate for stores, businesses, and other public
venues ended on February 10, though it continues for healthcare facilities, schools,
adult care and nursing homes, and prisons. However, as case and positivity rates in Columbia County remain very high, Mabb recommends the continued use of masks given “their proven effectiveness against both the coronavirus and seasonal flu.”
Vaccination information
CCDOH is holding weekly vaccine walk-in clinics every Thursday at Columbia
Greene Community College, 3–5:45 p.m..For that and all county vaccination clinics, go to the CCDOH website:
https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/news/new-covid-19-vaccine-information/
NYS and other vaccination sites: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Where to find testing
Free test kits and masks have been received by the county and have been
distributed to all municipalities in the county. The Town of Chatham received KN95
and surgical masks, and a small quantity of Covid test kits for town residents. As
supplies last, they are available at the Town Hall, 488 State Route 295. Please limit
one test kit (2 tests) per household.
To send for free rapid tests from the federal government: https://www.covidtests.gov/
Any residents with limited computer access who need assistance ordering at-home
tests can call the Healthcare Consortium at 518-822-9600.
NY State testing sites: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing
Other sites: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you