Another Press Release from the BOS Chair
Matt Murell, chair of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, issued a second press release today:
NO CURRENT TREATMENT FOR COVID-19, MABB SAYS
There is currently no authorized treatment for those who test positive for COVID-19, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb said Thursday.
"I strongly discourage anyone from taking things they hear mentioned as possible cures," Mabb said. "Do not try to self-medicate. Some medications may have similar ingredients to those being mentioned in connection with a possible COVID-19 treatment, but they have not undergone testing for this disease and should not be considered safe."
Mabb said there was one positive test for COVID-19 in the county in Wednesday, bringing the official count to 19 in-county. [NOTE: At 3:30 p.m. today, the CCDOH website reported there were 24 positive cases.]
At this time, Columbia Memorial Hospital has some tests on-hand, but they are being reserved for medical providers, emergency responders, and the very ill, Mabb added.
"The Health Department does expect a big bump in positives this weekend," he added.
County emergency medical services, Columbia Memorial Hospital, and fire and police remain "not even close to what they need in terms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)," said county Director of Emergency Management David W. Harrison, Jr. "We are expecting a small delivery soon--that will be going to emergency medical services and the hospital."
Several incidents of price gouging have been received in the City of Hudson, said Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett. Those who encounter a price gouging situation are advised to visit the website of the New York State Attorney General and fill out the complaint form found there.
"There has been a slight increase in petty larcenies in stores, but there hasn't been a big surge, Bartlett said, adding that sheriff's deputies are patrolling through the parking lots and inside the major supermarkets in an effort to help alleviate concerns. "If you have a question and spot a deputy, feel free to ask the deputy. If they don't have the answer, they'll get it for you."
"We are all one community, and we're doing what we can to take care of the Columbia County family," said Bartlett.
Columbia County is not testing as readily as Ulster and Dutchess. Why so? They have specialized testing sites. I suspect there are a bunch more positives as would be expected. The supermarkets are not following distancing protocol. Last Friday, Livingston Hannaford looked like a Thanksgiving celebration. And, that was the scene in the parking lot. I left so the inside must have been packed! The virus must have had a field day. I'm not surprised the numbers are ticking up. As for price gouging, I read the sought-after items have strict limits. The offenders are circumventing it and the weak spots need attention. Be safe out there!
ReplyDeleteTesting widely must start soon. If the feds want to bail us out, they can start by contact tracing and testing across the country. If that horse has bolted, test everyone. We're on a knife edge people. Seriously. Are we really opting for herd immunity?
ReplyDeleteIf you are tested they will tell you the exact same thing that they tell you if you are not tested but are feeling sick: go home and quarantine for 2 weeks.
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