COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO GROW IN COLUMBIA COUNTY
​
(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. 

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.

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.

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

Effective August 29, 2020, Columbia County is changing its mass-notification emergency alert system from CodeRed to the system provided by New York State known as NY-ALERT.

​All Columbia County residents are encouraged to enroll in the new emergency alert system, NY-ALERT, prior to August 29th.

Existing landline telephones will be automatically subscribed to the new service.

Thankfully, our efforts to stay at home, socially distance and practice good hand hygiene have paid off. We've managed to slow the spread and flatten the curve, which helped avoid a healthcare crisis in our local emergency rooms.

New York State is slowly beginning to reopen, but unfortunately it will be some time before things return to "normal." That said, I regret to share with you the following cancellations:

The Philmont Memorial Day Community service and parade have been canceled. The Minkler-Seery American Legion Post 252 will still honor those Veterans who gave their lives for us with a service at each cemetery and at the Village Memorial Parks, with a time and date to be announced.
Chairman Jeffrey French is asking all Claverack residents to take a moment out of your day on May 25th to remember those service members who are no longer with us.

All rentals of the Claverack Town Park have been suspended for the Summer. This includes any private parties, gatherings, concerts, etc. The park will remain open for walking and playing, but residents are asked to refrain from playing any contact sports (basketball, etc.). 

The Claverack Summer Youth Program at the Town Park has been canceled. The Town Board regrets having to make this decision, but we did not feel it was prudent to move forward with the program as State and County government have both discouraged summer camps and youth programs during this time. We look forward to having a program in Summer 2021.

The Claverack Republican Club's Summer Concert Series has been canceled for 2020. In making the announcement, Club vice-president Charles Schram said, “there was simply no way to make it work given the nature of the venue and the close interaction required.” The club will begin planning for the 2021 season at the first of the year.

Philmont Community Day has been canceled. Any donations, and all money from fundraising will be utilized for next year’s event. Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Secretary/Treasurer Brenda Baker by calling (518)-821-4481, or by email.

For additional updates and announcements, please continue to check the town website.

The Town of Claverack has received a limited amount of cloth face masks (not medical grade) from the County to distribute for free to Claverack residents who have been unable to obtain them elsewhere.

A limited supply of these masks will be distributed in the Claverack Library Parking Lot on Saturday, April 25th, from 12:00 Noon until about 2:00 PM (or until we run out). Masks are also available at McNann’s on Main Street in Philmont for those of you that live closer to Philmont.

The masks come in packages of five, so we are limiting the distribution to one package per family. We encourage you to share any unneeded masks with someone who needs one. They are made of soft cloth and can be washed and re-used.

Per the State social distancing guidelines, we ask that everyone maintain at least a 6-foot distance from one another if you come to get a package.

Please note that if you cannot make it on Saturday, there will be a supply of these masks at the Town Office on Church St during the week. If you come to the office, our Town Clerk will come out and give you a package.

We apologize for the short notice, but we just received these and wanted to get them out into the community without delay.
​
Thank you,
Claverack Town Board

Here's the latest information...

• "New York on PAUSE" was extended today until May 15th, meaning all Schools and nonessential businesses will remain closed.
• Governor Cuomo issued an executive order requiring all people in New York to wear masks or face coverings when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance.  There has been some confusion on this as different sources have relayed this information incorrectly. The Executive Order explicitly says "when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance." Social distance means 6 feet between you and other individuals.  
• An executive order directs employers to provide essential workers with masks free of charge to wear when interacting with the public.
• New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 are encouraged to donate blood. Here’s information on how to donate.
• New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through May 15, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.
• The Columbia County Department of Health is our local community contact for COVID-19 concerns. 
• The Claverack Town Park is closed until further notice.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues it's grip on our state, I wanted to give you a quick update on things here locally.

First, I want to say THANK YOU to all of our healthcare workers and first responders who are out on the front lines battling this pandemic. I want to also thank all of the essential workers who still report to work everyday, to provide essential goods and services to our residents and community. Much appreciated.

Governor Cuomo has extended the New York State on PAUSE executive order through April 29th. This means that all schools and non-essential businesses must remain closed. Non-essential gatherings of any size (including parties, celebrations and other social events) are prohibited. All residents are encouraged to stay home, and to employ social distancing (keeping at least 6' from others) when situations require you be in public (trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc.). The CDC also recommends that you wear a cloth face covering when in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
​
While this shutdown is necessary and warranted, it is unfortunately going to take a toll on small businesses and our town budget. We are expecting a sharp decline in sales tax revenue, which will require us to take measures to keep finances stable. Rest assured that we are monitoring the situation and planning for what may lie ahead. 

With all of that said, everything isn't all doom and gloom. There are some very positive signs that things may be starting to trend in the right direction. The rate of hospitalizations and admission to Intensive Care Units are starting to decline, as it the rate of intubations (which refers to patients being placed on ventilators). This is all good news and a glimmer of hope!

Please hang in there, stay home and be safe!

Update from the Columbia County Department of Health, as of 3:00 pm, April 9, 2020:

Unfortunately, we have had a fifth death in our community from COVID-19.

• 83 positive cases of COVID-19 in Columbia County
• 32 of the 83 cases have recovered from COVID-19
• 9 of the positive cases are hospitalized, 1 of those are in the ICU
• 558 test results completed for Columbia County residents
• 80 residents are under mandatory quarantine
• 19 under precautionary quarantine
• 15 residents with suspected, not tested cases

We’ve created charts representing the information reported in our daily updates that can be viewed on our website. 

Dear Residents,

Our Board feels that is is prudent to take proactive steps to minimize the spread of coronavirus into our community.  As of Monday morning, March 16, the Town Office, including the Clerk’s Office, Assessors Office and Building Inspectors Office are all currently open, but please check often as this situation is subject to change as developments dictate.  Updates will be posted on our website and on the Town phone system.  There are no scheduled meetings this week, and decisions on upcoming meetings will be made in the near future.  We ask that you postpone any in-person visits to the Town Office while we remain open, unless it is absolutely necessary.  Thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time.

Also until further notice, All County meetings have been cancelled until further notice

Food Pantry Updates: As of this week the pantry will be open on Tuesday, However, food will be brought outside for you. There will be a table outside with extra items for those in need.  At this time, we will be using paper bags.  Please keep your reusable bags to be returned at a later date.  Updates will be made as necessary.
 
Notice from the Claverack Town Court - Court Closure

The court has received notification from the Office of Court Administration that effective 5pm on Monday March 16, 2020, all town and village court proceedings will be postponed for 45 days in relation to the Coronavirus public health emergency.

All Tuesday night court proceedings for Vehicle & Traffic Court, Criminal Court and Civil Court will be postponed until after May 1, 2020.

All cases already scheduled will be rescheduled and adjournment notices will be mailed.

The court office at this time remains open, but please check often as this situation is subject to change as developments dictate.  Updates will be posted on our website and on the court’s answering machine.

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