Coronavirus Information

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus first detected in the Hubei Province in China in December 2019. With thousands of confirmed cases in China, the novel coronavirus has spread internationally to South Korea, Japan, Italy, and others, including the United States. International health organizations continue to learn more about this virus, including development of vaccines.

Washington County’s Departments of Public Health and Public Safety in conjunction with County Administration are continuing to work closely with our state and federal health agencies to monitor the spread of the disease and act decisively to ensure we are as prepared as possible to keep Washington County safe and healthy.

CASE STATUS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

Currently, our Washington County Public Health professionals continue monitoring a number local residents (statistics shown below) who either reported close contact with a subject testing positive for COVID-19 and quarantined, or were tested accordingly for COVID-19.

COVID-19 CASES			PERSONS UNDER INVESTIGATION
*CONFIRMED*	*RECOVERED*	*DECEASED*	*ACTIVE*	*RELEASED*
203	177	13	55	1,129

Case Status data updated: 05/29/2020, 2:30 PM

_{*Privacy note:}_{While we understand many in our communities would like to know more specific information about the COVID-19 positive patients and their locations, due to privacy regulations coupled with the county’s privacy policy, Washington County will not routinely release specific identifying information about patients (i.e., age, location) unless it aids in the Public Health investigation and identification of additional PUIs. Please remember, the identified PUIs and COVID-19 patients are under quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure and are not out in the public. Public Health conducts a public health investigation on every COVID-19 positive patient and makes notification to those identified as having close personal contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.}

STAY UP TO DATE AND INFORMED

Washington County will be distributing a community update message via email once daily, typically in the afternoon, which will include updated COVID-19 information and statistics. If you’re interested in receiving the daily update message, sign up here.

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED / REMAINS IN EFFECT

Washington County Board of Supervisors Chairman Samuel J. Hall has declared a State of Emergency for Washington County, effective as of 2:00 PM on March 16, 2020, and will remain in effect for the next thirty days, or until rescinded. The State of Emergency allows the county to continue facilitating the ongoing response to COVID-19 and to provide the County of Washington and local organizations with the flexibility needed to respond to this imminent threat to public health, safety and quality of life. The county’s State of Emergency declaration was last extended on May 13, 2020 and remains in effect.

"RESTARTING WASHINGTON COUNTY" RESOURCES

Washington County Board of Supervisors Chairman Samuel J. Hall has appointed and tasked the "Restarting Washington County" Advisory Committee to serve as a resource for our local businesses and organizations in our communities, providing insight, direction and support as they plan for the return of business / activities in the future. As the Governor’s plan to re-open New York State has been released, there are many things that can be addressed through the planning and preparation process ahead of time in our communities, businesses and organizations. The Governor has developed informational resources to guide members of our communities, local organizations and businesses with the restarting process in New York State:

COUNTY OPERATIONS STATUS

As part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak and in an effort to reduce exposure and the spread of the virus to our essential employees and members of our community, Washington County Board of Supervisors Chairman Samuel J. Hall issued an Executive Order under Article 24 of the Executive Law of the State of New York ordering all county facilities be closed to the public as of the close of business on March 18, 2020.

Only essential services, departments and employees, as determined by the Chairman of the Board, will continue to operate to provide Public Safety, Public Health and safety needs of the members of our communities.
All essential Public Safety and Public Health related services remain operational or available on an "as needed" basis to support essential or emergency operations.
CODE ENFORCEMENT: The Code Enforcement office is now open by appointment only for services. Please call our office at (518)746-2570 and speak with a Code Enforcement member or leave a message with your phone number and the Town or Village location of the project you’re submitting for. A Code Enforcement Officer will call you back with details of how to proceed.
The DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES / OFFICE FOR THE AGING / NY CONNECTS is open and operational with very minimal staff Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Here are some additional details:
- Help flatten the curve - all communication for benefit programs can be fulfilled over the phone and documentation can either be accepted via email at DSS@washingtoncountyny.gov or inserted in the drop box in front of the entrance to Building B at the Washington County Municipal Center – at this time there are no face to face interview requirements in place for any benefit related program.
- Interested individuals can also check eligibility, apply for assistance and check balance information on open cases online through http://mybenefits.ny.gov/ .Application through this site will be processed in the Fort Edward Office while everyone maintains social distancing.
- Due to the emergency operation plan, only those with the most urgent needs/new applicants for Temporary Assistance, HEAP and SNAP are being assisted via phone or in person callers can dial 746-2425. All other messages and mail are being held for response upon the reopening of the County Municipal Center.
- New referrals for Home Delivered Meals and information regarding available resources are being accepted through NY Connects at 746-2578 or 746-2420 & through the Office for the Aging e-mail address at: OfficeForTheAging@co.washington.ny.us
- If you need medical assistance, apply through the exchange at https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/
- Safety needs in cases of Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services are being assessed both over the phone and with face to face visits in the field.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE: The Sheriff’s Office road and corrections units are of course still operational but some divisions will be limited. Civil, Pistol Permit and records employees are working reduced hours which may create delays. We ask that those with related business call the office first as we are accepting approved appointments only. Jail inmates visits are suspended but we are making arrangements to allow inmates to make extra phone calls. Please know that we are taking every precaution to limit visitors, limit staff contact and interaction while still protecting the public and our employees. On March 26, 2020, the Sheriff’s Office launched a new online reporting form for reporting non-emergency complaints.
PUBLIC HEALTH: Public Health’s nursing functions continue during normal business hours, Monday - Friday - you can reach them direct at (518)746-2400. WIC will continue providing essential services, however appointments are required - WIC can be reached at (518)746-2460.
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES: DMV is closed until further notice, which includes any previous appointments. Many DMV transactions can be processed online at dmv.ny.gov .
LEAP / LEAP FOOD PANTRY: LEAP’s Food Pantry has been temporarily re-located to the Washington County WIC building (located next door, light yellow building). Visits are by appointment only! Please call (518)409-5199 to make an appointment and for any other LEAP services.

Members of the public with needs for other services shall contact the department by phone or check the department’s page on the county website at washingtoncountyny.gov for additional information.

We thank everyone for their understanding and patience during this difficult time. PLEASE continue washing your hands, exercise ’social distancing’, wear a mask if out in public and stay home if you can! Stay safe and healthy!

NEW YORK STATE ON PAUSE (Extended through May 28, 2020)

Effective March 22 at 8:00 PM, Governor Cuomo has ordered the following:
Non-essential businesses statewide to remain closed (other than those approved for Phase 1 re-openings)
Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (i.e., parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed **updated to 10 or less, with social distancing & cleaning / disinfecting measures in place / being followed
Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced
When in public, individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others and face coverings or masks must be worn when unable to adequately social distance (exceptions: less than two years of age or those unable to medically tolerate / wear a face covering or mask)
Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet
Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people
Individuals should limit the use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders
Sick individuals should not leave their homes unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health
Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations
Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes
Have a NY PAUSE Complaint? Check here for info or to file it here.

KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCING, WEAR A MASK WHEN IN PUBLIC

We encourage all those in our communities to use all efforts of ‘social-distancing’ as an effective public health measure to prevent and slow the transmission of COVID-19. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order, a face covering or mask must be worn when in public and unable to socially distance (exceptions: under two years old, those medically unable to tolerate a face covering / mask).

STAY HOME. STOP THE SPREAD. SAVE LIVES.

SYMPTOMS

The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

The CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to areas of concern, contact your health provider by phone immediately.

COVID-19 TESTING SITES & INFORMATION

Testing sites for COVID-19 can be found by searching the state’s COVID-19 testing site here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

PREVENTION

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

HELP US "MASK UP" WITH WARREN COUNTY

We’re thankful to announce we’re partnering with neighbors in Warren County and joining their “Mask Up!” community initiative for all those in our communities!

What’s this all about? Medical masks are hard to come by these days, but many people with access to fabric and material have been making some useful and even snazzy face coverings to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As proven with our recent distribution of cloth face coverings from the federal government there are needs in our community and more are still needed, as new state orders require mouths and noses be covered in all public places where people can’t socially distance.

We are proud to partner with our neighbors in Warren County and their many departments that have banded together to begin an effort to help collect them for distribution to those in need, working with retired Glens Falls physician Dr. Richard Leach . Dr. Leach calls his donors “Masketeers, as it calls up chivalry and altruism and protecting the community against a marauding and sneaky enemy!”

How can you help? We’re looking for those in our communities with a sewing machine and some basic sewing skills, fabric or a few old t-shirts and a pair of scissors to make homemade masks that can offer some degree of protection from the virus, and know that you are helping end this pandemic sooner. We’ll share the links to instructional videos on YouTube and sewing instructions from the CDC.

Then what? Drop the masks off to the collection area at the Washington County Municipal Center (Building B Main Entrance – Monday – Friday, 8AM – 4PM) or give our Department of Public Safety a call at (518)747-7520 for pick-up. After donations are collected, they will be turned over to Dr. Leach’s team, and they will be sterilized by local dentists and distributed back through our communities as needed.

HOW YOU CAN HELP - VOLUNTEER & DONATION PROGRAM

NYS COVID-19 Volunteer & Donation Assistance Program

PUBLIC / COMMUNITY INFORMATION

NYSDOH Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
Know the Facts About COVID-19 and Help Stop the Spread of Rumors
CDC COVID-19
NYSDOH COVID-19
US Food and Drug Administration COVID-19
Saratoga, Washington, Warren County COAD (Communities Organizations Active in Disasters) Situation Report

SPECIALIZED INFORMATION

CYBERSECURITY INFORMATION ON COVID-19

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.

CISA encourages individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions.

Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. See Using Caution with Email Attachments and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams for more information.
Use trusted sources—such as legitimate, government websites—for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.
Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on Charity Scams for more information.

CORONAVIRUS