CoCoCurrent

Spike in Columbia County COVID-19 Positive Cases Raises Concern

The recent uptick in positive coronavirus tests in northern Columbia County has sounded alarm bells in county leadership

The recent uptick in positive coronavirus tests in northern Columbia County has sounded alarm bells in county leadership, raising concerns that a large-scale spread may be in the offing if individuals fail to take the appropriate measures to combat the virus’s spread. Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb said Monday that “clusters are popping up – we hope it stays that way and doesn’t develop into something larger. We’ll see how things look following the July 4 weekend. There were a lot of backyard gatherings at which social distancing and mask wearing was not practiced.”

“We see the rise in COVID-19 infections happening around the country, and we all need to remain mindful that while things have been relatively stable in the county and the state, a new major outbreak could occur at any time. And testing remains a critical part of helping to contain the virus,” Director Mabb added.

Director Mabb noted that the county DOH receives daily complaints about businesses that are not enforcing mask-wearing and other measures among their staff. To report violations of health and safety restrictions and requirements for businesses, gatherings and individuals, visit the following website: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

According to the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, there has been a continued uptick in the percentage of positive COVID-19 test results around the state. For example, last Wednesday, 3,163 tests conducted resulted in 37 positive cases, for a positive rate of 1.17 percent. This marks the first time there have been consecutive days where the positive rate percentage was above 1.0 since June 1 and 2.

“All of us must remain vigilant,” said county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell. “We see people who don’t seem to understand the extremely contagious nature of this virus until they or someone they know contract it. There’s no use to be in denial about the dangers of the coronavirus.”

Chairman Murell issued a warning about the economic devastation that awaits if another lockdown were to become necessary around the state: “For us to go backwards now would amount to a total disaster. The first time around was bad enough, but we simply cannot afford to shut down again. We would see restaurants and other businesses close for good. It’s up to every individual to follow the CDC-issued steps to practice social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand washing. Remember, it could only take one asymptomatic case to become a potential super-spreader.”

Click Here for a list of the upcoming testing sites, dates, and times.

MORE:
Columbia County Department of Health

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Aaron Rothko to Perform BLM Fundraiser Outside People’s Pub, Jul 11

Aaron Rothko, will be performing a Black Lives Matter fundraiser concert outside of the People’s Pub in Chatham, on Saturday July 11th from 6 to 8pm.

Local musician, Aaron Rothko, will be performing a Black Lives Matter fundraiser concert outside of the People’s Pub in Chatham, on Saturday July 11th from 6 to 8pm.

Rothko will be performing predominantly singer/songwriter and folk songs and all proceeds will be going to Black Lives Matter. Rothko’s goal is to help raise interest and awareness for an important cause at a crucial moment in time, and the People’s Pub jumped at the chance to be part of it.

DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 11, 2020 / 6 – 8pm

LOCATION: The People’s Pub
36 Main St,
Chatham, NY 12037

MORE:
facebook.com/Aaron-Rothko-Music
instagram.com/aaron_rothko_official

thepeoplespub.com

blacklivesmatter.com

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COVID-19 Update from Columbia County Health Department

The latest update from the Columbia County Department of Health.

Following is the latest update from the Columbia County Department of Health.

As of 12:00 pm on July 5, 2020:

– Columbia County has had 37 residents that have passed away from COVID-19.

-Columbia County has 448 confirmed positive cases.

-There are 23 active cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County.

– 388 of the 448 cases have recovered from COVID-19

– 6 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 0 of those hospitalized are in the ICU

-We have received 12,222 PCR reports. Please note this number may represent duplicate reports, out of county reports, and multiple nursing home testings.

https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/home/coronavirus-covid-19/

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Happy 4th of July!

Have a happy, and safe Independence Day!

Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free, and independent states.

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Celebrate July 4th & Summer w/ Shared Streets in Hudson

To create space for safe, physical distancing, the City of Hudson is extending Shared Summer Streets through the summer.

To create space for safe, physical distancing, the City of Hudson is extending Shared Summer Streets through the summer. The Hudson Shared Summer Streets Program is going to make street space available to businesses, residents, and local organizations in new ways.

Here’s some helpful information:

Shared Summer Street Hours
- Monday-Friday 4pm to 10pm
- Saturday and Sunday 11am to 10pm
During Shared Summer Street hours, Warren Street is open to pedestrians, bicycles and cars, and traffic is calmed to 5mph to ensure everyone’s safety.
Any parking spot on Warren Street not being used by businesses can be used for parking! Based on the number of applications received, we believe the majority of spaces will remain for parking. Metered parking rules remain in effect.
There are also many municipal lots throughout the city available for parking, within walking distance to Warren street. A big thanks from the City of Hudson to Columbia County for making county lots available after 5pm and on weekends during this program. To find out more view the parking guide map.

The roadway space is shared by people walking, biking, and driving at low speeds. These programs generally allow people walking and biking in both directions to use the road, and people driving are expected to yield to them.

Local Access Only and Shared Street signs are posted at key cross streets to discourage through traffic, but the street remains open for residents of the street, emergency vehicles, deliveries and short-term pick-up. Signs and barriers are intended to be easily understood by all users, with no additional police presence required.

Hudson held a trial weekend from Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28. After an evaluation of that weekend, including reviewing a survey of business owners, residents and visitors, the program will continue, with amended conditions.

All photos in this post by JD Urban