Covid-19 Report: Steady but concerning
Case numbers trend downward, though hospitalizations remain steady
The number of new Covid-19 cases continues to fall, though the NY Times Covid Tracking page warns that because of the high positivity rate (currently 19%) in the county, it’s likely that cases are being undercounted (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/columbia-new-york-covid-cases.html).
One reason for the undercount may be the widespread use of at-home rapid tests, whose results aren’t always reported or counted in official totals. To report the results of an at-home test to the County Health Department, go to https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/home/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine/
More useful metrics might be the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths, both of which lag cases by a couple of weeks. Our Covid hospitalization number for Columbia County residents has been steady for the past couple of weeks, ranging from the upper 20s to low 30s (though the Feb. 3 report shot up to 47 new cases).
Number of deaths, however, has increased over the past two weeks, with 8 deaths in a week’s time, including 4 reported in one day. The next two weeks should be a good indicator of covid trends in the county.
Mask mandate remains in effect
The statewide mask-or-vaccination mandate is in effect until at least February 10 and might be extended if conditions warrant. In addition, mandate or no, CCDOH Director Jack Mabb strongly recommends the continued use of masks given “their proven effectiveness against both the coronavirus and seasonal flu.”
Don’t let at-home test kits freeze
Mabb advised that home test kits be maintained at a temperature range of 36–86 degrees. “It’s not a good idea to leave them overnight in your car these days. When a kit freezes and then thaws, it’s no longer any good,” he said.
Vaccination information
Starting February 3, CCDOH is holding weekly vaccine walk-in clinics every Thursday at Columbia Greene Community College, 3:00–5:45 pm. 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. While supplies last, they are available for residents of Chatham at the Town Hall, 488 State Route 295. Limit is 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
Free Tests from the Government
You can now order four at-home COVID-19 tests for free from COVIDTests.gov to be mailed directly to your house.
The program allows for four free tests to be requested per residential address, and the tests ship within 7-12 days.
State mask-or-vaccination rules
The mask-or-vaccination rules are in effect. To learn about the new rules, see the NY State Department of Health Letter of Determination: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/01/2.60-determination-01-31-2022_0.pdf