COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO GROW IN COLUMBIA COUNTY
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(January 22, 2021) -- With 68 new positive cases of the COVID-19 virus as of midday Friday, county DOH Director Jack Mabb said there seems to be “no letup” in the virus’s continuing impact among county residents. There have been 2,799 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic. “It’s hammering us,” he said.

As of Friday, there were 36 individuals hospitalized with the virus, which is a new record high for Columbia County. Six individuals are in the ICU, with two on ventilators. Director Mabb said that five recent deaths – three in nursing homes, two from the community -- bring the county total to 61. Active cases and mandatory quarantine totals were unavailable midday Friday. Director Mabb said the Ghent Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, The Grand at Barnwell, and Livingston Hills all continue to experience significant outbreaks of the virus among residents and staff.

“For those who still are not taking this virus seriously, it’s clear this is not a hoax,” said county Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell. “People need to take all available precautions to do what they can to help confine the spread of the virus.”

Director Mabb added that the county DOH administered 107 vaccines on Thursday, and 400 on Friday, bring the total 1700 vaccines administered. 

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CLAVERACK TOWN OFFICE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

The Claverack Town Office continues to be accessible to the public by appointment only until further notice. This includes the clerks office, assessors office and building department. To make an appointment, please call the Town Office number at 518-672-7911 and follow the directory to find the extension for the department you are looking for. Thank you for your cooperation.

For updates, check the town website.

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COLUMBIA COUNTY DOH COVID VACCINE INFORMATION

Columbia County has established a call center to answer questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Columbia County residents may call the hotline at 518-697-5560, Monday through Friday between 9am and 4 pm.

Please understand that, due to the very limited supply of vaccine provided by the state, it may take a substantial amount of time (weeks) before CCDOH can provide you with an appointment for vaccination. That said, if you have an opportunity to get the vaccine elsewhere, or a pharmacy contacts you to provide the vaccine to you, it is recommended that you DO IT.

For updated information, continue to check the CCDOH COVID-19 Vaccine Information webpage.

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A NOTE FROM KIPPY

​Friends,

Things will likely continue to get worse before they get better; but it is our hope that with holiday gatherings now behind us and more and more people getting vaccinated, we will begin to stem the tide and start to see this pandemic eventually come under control. 

In the mean time, please continue to be vigilant about wearing a face covering when in public, wash your hands often and remain socially distant when possible. 

I assure you that I, Deputy Town Supervisor Steve Hook and the entire Town Board continue to be actively engaged and doing our part to keep our town finances under control, and town services available to residents .

These are difficult times, no doubt, but we'll get through it.

- Kippy