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 MONITORING
*CONFIRMED*	*RECOVERED*	*DECEASED*	*ACTIVE*	*RELEASED*
319	297	13	145	3,106

Case Status data updated: 10/25/2020, 4:30 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.}

NOTES ON TODAY'S NEW CASES

Upon return of tests from late last week, we received three new COVID-19 + cases today. Our Public Health staff and contact tracers have been busy throughout the day conducting the investigations, all three are community related cases (no ties to another case or originating from a known establishment / event). Based upon activity of the case subject(s), our Public Health team has issued two "Low Risk Exposure" notifications for area establishments / events.

LOW RISK EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION - T/ KINGSBURY

As a result of a recent Public Health Investigation into one of today's COVID-19 positive cases, it has been determined a COVID-19 + case was a patron at Ginny Rae's Diner (1169 Dix Avenue, Hudson Falls / Town of Kingsbury) on Friday, October 23rd between 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM. Based on the investigation findings to date, the establishment and staff followed the NY Forward guidance and sanitization protocols and there is a “low-risk” to anyone in the establishment that has not already been contacted by Public Health. We are asking anyone who attended during that time frame to self-monitor for any potential signs / symptoms of COVID-19 and report any issues to Public Health at (518)746-2400. We extend our thanks to the staff at Ginny Rae's for their dedication to following the protocols and working with our Public Health staff throughout the investigation.

LOW RISK EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION - T/ ARGYLE

As a result of a recent Public Health Investigation into one of today's COVID-19 positive cases, it has been determined a COVID-19 + case attended an event at the Argyle Presbyterian Church (48 Main Street, Argyle) on Saturday, October 24, 2020 in the evening hours. Based on the investigation findings to date, the event followed the NY Forward guidance and sanitization protocols and there is a “low-risk” to anyone attended the event that has not already been contacted by Public Health. We are asking anyone who attended during that time frame to self-monitor for any potential signs / symptoms of COVID-19 and report any issues to Public Health at (518)746-2400. We extend our thanks to the church staff and organizers for their dedication to following the protocols and working with our Public Health staff throughout the investigation.

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 declared a State of Emergency for Washington County, initially effective as of 2:00 PM on March 16, 2020. 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.

Washington County State of Emergency Declaration: Extension issued October 7, 2020
Washington County Executive Order: 2020.7 - Issued September 27, 2020

NYS DOH COVID-19 SCHOOL TOOLKIT RELEASED

Recently the NYS Department of Health released the new COVID-19 Toolkit for K-12 Schools which includes an update to reflect that if a member of the school community (student, faculty/staff) is sent home or experiences COVID-19 related symptoms, they must quarantine for 14 days UNLESS they receive one of the following within 48 hours:

receive an alternate diagnosis from a medical provider
negative COVID-19 test

Due to the addition of this portion of the guidance from the NYS DOH, our Public Health team expects to see increased cases in the Persons Under Monitoring (PUM) and "presumed" Positive cases in our communities in the coming days. You can review the state's full COVID-19 Toolkit for the K-12 Schools here: http://bit.ly/covidschooltkit

"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:

Gym Fitness Center Reopening Graphic transp

In accordance with Governor Cuomo's announcement and the NY Forward Reopening Plan for Gyms / Fitness Centers, Washington County's Public Health and Public Safety departments will be coordinating with our local fitness centers as they prepare to open for business.

Washington County has developed a comprehensive process for our local Gyms / Fitness Centers to move forward, continuing to focus on the safety and health of our communities:

Complete the GYMS / FITNESS CENTERS REOPENING CHECKLIST
Submit the completed, signed checklist and all associated documentation via email to publicsafety@washingtoncountyny.gov
Once your completed documentation has been received, a member of our Public Safety team will coordinate with the Gym / Fitness Center to conduct an onsite compliance assistance visit

Gym / Fitness Center owners / operators having difficulty submitting the documentation, or questions should contact the Public Safety department at (518)747-7520 Ext. 1 or by email at publicsafety@washingtoncountyny.gov .

COUNTY OPERATIONS STATUS

Effective Monday, June 8, 2020 at 8:30 AM, county facilities will re-open to the public for services BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Beginning Monday, members of the public needing county services will be asked to check the website and reach out to the department to make an appointment. DMV (being a state operation in county facilities) will remain closed to the public at this time and will continue handling drop box and mail transactions.

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES: County Clerk Stephanie Lemery announces the Washington County Department of Motor Vehicles office is open for in person transactions, by appointment only! Appointments can be made online via the county website here. In person transactions will be subject to social distancing, masking and screening guidelines for the safety and health of all those involved. DMV will continue to accept drop box and mail in transactions as well. 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)746-2391 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 to make an appointment 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

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 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.

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