The Columbia County Department of Health has yet to release any numbers, but half an hour ago a press release from Matt Murell, chair of the Board of Supervisors, was received. Here's part of what it had to say:
COUNTY COVID-19 INFECTION RATE CONTINUES RISE
On Monday, Columbia County Department of Health Director Jack Mabb reported that since Christmas, 115 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been recorded by the DOH. There were 49 new cases Christmas Day, 35 on Saturday, and 31 on Sunday.
Director Mabb noted that active cases among county residents is nearing 300, with more than 500 in mandatory quarantine. Thirteen individuals are hospitalized. One is in the ICU.
In addition, Director Mabb said that a group home in Greenport is currently experiencing five infected staff and five infected residents, while Providence Hall in Hudson has three cases. In addition, in the attempt to be proactive, 15 members of a local church assembled to tape its service, but it was later learned that one was positive for the virus at the time. There are now five members who have tested positive. . . .
COUNTY DOH TO NIX CERTAIN REPORTING
"In the face of the rising surge in the county's COVID-19 infection rate and the need to make the best possible use of staff time as we meet more pressing needs, the county Department of Health will no longer be providing weekly town-by-town infection numbers," said DOH Director Jack Mabb. Other categories of reporting may be eliminated in the future if the need arises.
"Everyone needs to keep in mind that regardless of where you are when out in public, there is most likely someone positive with the virus in your vicinity. Act accordingly," said Director Mabb.
The entire press release, which includes information about coronavirus testing and the availability of flu shots, can be found here.
So let's see: As the number of cases rise, the county Department of Health decides we need less information. This is NUTS!
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