COVID-19 UPDATE

PINE HAVEN CONFIRMS CASES OF COVID-19

The Columbia County Department of Health announced today that four residents of Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Philmont have tested positive for COVID-19. The four cases have been confirmed by New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Each of the four individuals are isolated at the facility. None of the four confirmed cases are hospitalized — their symptoms are being treated and managed by the facility. The families of the patients have been notified and the facility reports the patients’ symptoms are improving.

Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation is remaining vigilant in taking proper precautions to protect staff and all residents. The facility has taken several precautions over the past three weeks in an effort to protect their community. They have been closed to visitors for the past three weeks, and employees and all essential deliveries are being screened for travel, symptoms or fever.

“I’m confident that Pine Haven is taking the necessary steps to protect their residents and employees,” Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell said Friday. “The Columbia County Department of Health remains in constant contact with the New York State Department of Health,” he added.

“All nursing homes within the county have a plan to handle these types of contingencies,” said county Emergency Management Director David W. Harrison, Jr.

“Pine Haven has and continues to be proactive. We understand they’ve been isolating residents to their wings. They’ve certainly been closely monitoring anyone coming in or out. As the Chairman mentioned we continue to communicate with the state throughout our response,” said Jack Mabb, Director of Public Health.

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NOTICE: TOWN OFFICES CLOSED

All Town Offices will be closed until Monday April 6, 2020.  As we all know, news concerning this situation changes rapidly and there is always the chance this could be extended so please check the website frequently for any new changes.

If the need arises where it is necessary to speak with someone at the Town Offices, please consult the Town Directory and leave a message for the Town Clerk, Court Clerk, Assessor, or Building Inspector.

Town Court is canceled until after May 1, 2020. All cases already scheduled will be rescheduled and adjournment notices will be mailed.

All Town and County meetings have been cancelled until further notice.

Updates will be posted on our website and on the town office and court office answering machines.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time.

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As of 4 pm, March 27, 2020, Columbia County has 27 positive cases of COVID-19. We have received 291 test results completed for Columbia County residents. There are 96 under mandatory quarantine and 35 under precautionary quarantine. There are 10 residents with suspected, not tested cases.

Today Governor Cuomo announced all New York State schools will be closed until April 15th at which point the matter will be reevaluated. It is important now more than ever to stay vigilant and STAY HOME. If you do have to go out, don’t touch common surfaces (credit card reader, doors, countertops, shopping carts). Wash your hands for 20 seconds. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.