Fifth COVID-19 Related Death Confirmed in Dutchess

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) has confirmed the  death of a fifth Dutchess County resident relating to COVID-19. DBCH confirmed a 68-year-old female died at home today, April 1, 2020. The patient, who had a history of underlying conditions, presented at Vassar Brothers Medical Center’s Emergency Room late last week after not feeling well.  She returned home and was later informed of a positive COVID-19 test result drawn during her hospital visit.   The individual had not yet been transferred to DBCH monitoring.  Further specific information cannot be provided for privacy reasons.  

County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our Dutchess County neighbor, and we as a community mourn the loss of another resident to this global pandemic. As we released yesterday both countywide Coronavirus statistics and information about every local municipality, we remind residents no community has been spared from this virus, reinforcing the message we have spread for weeks: Stay home; stay healthy; stop the spread. As a county, we remain dedicated to fight the spread of this virus, employing every resource available, and we thank all those — healthcare professionals, first responders, County personnel and others — who have worked tirelessly to protect our residents.”

Behavioral and Community Health Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian said, “We implore residents who think they have symptoms of COVID-19 to call their primary-care physician and remain in constant contact to ensure follow-up monitoring can continue. As this pandemic continues to affect hundreds in our community, and will impact even more in the coming days and weeks, we must all take an active part in keeping ourselves healthy and saving lives.”

As testing in Dutchess County expanded last week, there are now more than 460 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Dutchess County, and the numbers are expected to continue to increase. Staying home remains critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and flattening the curve so as not to overwhelm the local healthcare system and ensure everyone can get the care they need.      

Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information on its COVID-19 Community Impact Dashboard, and further updates and guidance are available on its website, www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Update for Wednesday, April 1, 2020:

• The Business Council of New York has created a one pager to help break down what is in the Paycheck Protection Program. It can be found HERE.
• The U.S. Treasury Department has published an information sheet on the Paycheck Protection Program for borrowers. It can be found HERE.
• To apply for the Paycheck Protection Program, you must fill out THIS application, but you cannot submit the form until April 3, 2020.
• Independent contractors and self employed individuals are allowed to apply for these funds as well, but cannot apply until April 10, 2020.
• SUNY Ulster is now using their 3D printing capabilities to create protective equipment for front-line workers. For more information on this click HERE.
• Horticulture, except when nurseries or greenhouses are selling food producing plants, is now deemed non-essential and must follow the 100% non-work site protocols. More information on agricultural changes from COVID-19 can be found HERE.
• The New York Department of Labor has issued new guidance on Unemployment Insurance benefits, specifically how the new federal legislation impacts it. You can find that guidance HERE.

If you have any questions regarding the information in this notification or any other business related concerns and suggestions, please email Contact@DutchessBNN.com. Please do NOT contact elected officials regarding information in this email as they are currently inundated with handling the government response to this crisis. This network was created to help coordinate responses and share the burden, and we ask that you please contact us with any questions or concerns so our elected officials can focus on their task at hand. Thank you for your continued support through this time.

If you were forwarded this email, but would like to be added to the email list, please let us know by emailing contact@DutchessBNN.com

Hablemos de salud de ABC latino presenta información importante y es una iniciativa enfocada en problemas de salud que afectan a nuestra comunidad. PRECIONE AQUI PARA MAS INFORMACION.

ABC latino’s Let’s Talk Health section features important information and is an initiative focused on Health Issues that affect our Community. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

HUD Strong Families is excited to share a nationwide PIH Youth Art Competition for youth 24 and under!  Enter the competition!

Artwork will be displayed in a virtual gallery online, with selected pieces displayed at HUD Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Enter HUD’s PIH Youth Art Competition here:Opening Doors and Unlocking Opportunities through People, Imagination and Housing!

Please complete this entry form by FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020, to submit your artwork for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s (HUD’s) PIH Youth Art Competition.

Artwork will be judged at the regional and national level.
Artwork will be showcased online in HUD’s PIH Virtual Art Gallery display.
Selected artwork will be showcased in an on-site exhibition at HUD’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Click the video above to watch today’s update from County Executive Molinaro about the new COVID-19 Community Impact Data Dashboard (you can view it at www.dutchessny.gov/COVIDdashboard) and Thursday’s facebook live and telephone town hall.

In Dutchess County as of March 31, 2020 have been:
– 396 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19
– 2,381 tests administered
– 9 people recovered

To learn more about how you can help, visit www.dutchessny.gov/DutchessResponds

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced yesterday a new COVID-19 Data Dashboard is now available on Dutchess County’s website, www.DutchessNy.gov/CovidDashboard with multiple data points including current positive COVID-19 case confirmations, mapped by municipality. The dashboard also includes data on testing, hospitalizations, deaths and recoveries, as well as call volume.

County Executive Molinaro said, “With testing substantially expanded here in Dutchess County, we have quantitative, reliable data presented in a way that is clear and easy-to-access for the public. This localized data helps our public health and emergency response personnel, municipal partners, businesses, and residents fully understand the scope of this virus’ growing impact on our community.”

“This data demonstrates that every single community has been impacted by coronavirus. However, these are only confirmed cases – there are many more individuals who are asymptomatic or who have mild symptoms who have not been confirmed,” continued Molinaro. “It is critical to realize that every person in Dutchess remains at risk of exposure and every person must make it their personal responsibility to do their part to ensure they are not adding to these numbers – so while we know it is hard, stay the course – stay home, stay safe and stop the spread.”

Confirmed case information

The dashboard provides case count information including a total cumulative confirmed case count since Dutchess County’s first case was reported on March 13th. Active case numbers are also available reflecting cases currently being monitored and not yet considered “recovered.” Current case numbers are highlighted, with tabs for historical graphs provided. Active cases are mapped by city, town and village, with total cases for each municipality displayed.

Hospitalizations, Death and Recoveries

The dashboard also lists information regarding hospitalizations, deaths and recoveries. Hospital data reflects the total number of individuals currently hospitalized in Dutchess County (not necessarily all Dutchess County residents) with a confirmed case (MidHudson Regional Hospital, Vassar Brothers Medical Center and Northern Dutchess Hospital). Fatality data reflects Dutchess County resident deaths caused by or related to COVID-19. Recovery data reflects Dutchess County residents who had a confirmed case of COVID-19 who are no longer symptomatic and are no longer being monitored by the Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH).

Tests Administered

Testing data reflects specimen collection taken from Dutchess County residents.   Specimens are collected and then sent for testing. Test results can take up to 7 days and results are sent to the physician’s office who ordered the test.

Call data

Call data includes call history into Dutchess County’s Coronavirus Hotline at 845-486-3555.   The call center has been staffed by DBCH staff and dedicated volunteers 7 days a week since March 9th.     The call center continues to be a valuable resources for many residents. Those interested in volunteering in the call center can sign up through the Dutchess Responds webpage at www.dutchessny.gov/dutchessresponds.      

Dutchess County 9-1-1 call center data reflects all calls relating to COVID-19.   Residents should remember calls to 9-1-1 are for emergencies only. For information or questions relating to COVID-19, calls should be directed to the Dutchess County Coronavirus Information Hotline at 845-486-3555.

The COVID-19 Data Dashboard will be updated daily, however there may be delays in updates for particular data sets as information is received and verified.

Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information and guidance on its website, www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) has confirmed the death of a fourth Dutchess County resident relating to COVID-19. DBCH confirmed a 52-year-old male died today, March 31, 2020 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. The person was admitted to the hospital the previous week with shortness of breath. He was tested for COVID-19 which was confirmed positive. The individual had not been known to DBCH until his hospitalization. Further specific information cannot be provided for privacy reasons. 

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “To the family and friends, we are heartbroken for your loss. To the rest of the residents of Dutchess County, please take this to heart. Stay home. We all have a responsibility to stay healthy in order to protect the most vulnerable among us. As the death toll rises, remember that our smallest actions can be lifesaving, or life-threatening. The death of a fourth neighbor here in Dutchess serves as a harsh reminder that there is nowhere in our County untouched by coronavirus.”

County Executive Molinaro continues to ask residents to stay at home to limit community transmission of the virus. When it is absolutely necessary to go out, do so with caution and follow proper social distancing protocol from others by at least 6 feet and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. 

Behavioral and Community Health Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian said, “We have an incredible team of public health professionals who are working around the clock. We’re coordinating with hospitals, doctor’s offices, testing facilities, schools, local officials to coordinate our efforts. Our department is using every resource available, but we need residents to do their part to assist us in our efforts. To help us protect the safety of every resident, please stay home.”

There are now more than 390 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Dutchess County, over 2,300 tests have been administered, and 4 deaths related to COVID-19, while many others are beginning to be considered as recovered. All of these number are expected continue to increase which is why remaining at home is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and flattening the curve so as not to overwhelm the local healthcare system and ensure everyone can get the care they need.

Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information and guidance on its Coronavirus website, its COVID-19 Community Impact Dashboard, its Coronavirus hotline at (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

It’s been a couple of days since our last update, but there are a couple of new local items.

1. Dutchess Website:  Dutchess County, which tracks county-wide COVID-19 cases, has begun disclosing cases by community.  Their website is www.dutchessny.gov, and on the home page there is a link to COVID-19 Data Dashboard, which takes you there.  The website shows that Beacon has 28 confirmed cases out of a county total of almost 400.  Note that with greater testing, we end up with more cases than those with less testing.
2. Water Bills:  Water bills were mailed out today.  Pay your bill by mail, online at www.cityofbeacon.org using our new “Pay Bills” button, in the drop box in front of City Hall, or at M&T Bank’s drive-up window at 200 Main Street.  For everyone’s safety, pay your bill by one of these methods.
3. Groceries for Those in Need:  For anyone in need, tomorrow Wednesday, April 1, there will be free boxes of groceries for pick up, from 10:00-10:45 AM at Beacon High School and South Avenue School. If you are in need of a delivery, please call or text 845-288-2559 or email mutualaidbeacon@gmail.com.  Thank you to the Beacon City School District, Beacon Mutual Aid, Common Ground Farm, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Green Teen Program, Fareground, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, and Hudson Valley Seed.
4. Census:  Don’t forget the census – due April 1st. 

Thank you all; stay well. 

The Center for Disease Control is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

FEDERAL

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance

FEMA Covid-19 Information

NEW YORK STATE

New York State Coronavirus Hotline 1-888-364-3065

New York State Official COVID-19 Website
This contains a summary of the latest information announced by the Governor, public health guidance, and more.

Department of Health Guidance on How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19 When Enjoying the Outdoors

MTA Metro-North and LIRR Service Updates

Essential Businesses Defined

DUTCHESS COUNTY

Dutchess County Coronavirus Hotline (845) 486-3555

Dutchess County Mental Health Hotline (24/7): (877) 485-9700

Please see this link for live updates about Coronavirus from Dutchess County.

Nuvance Health Opens COVID-19 Collection Sites in Dutchess and Ulster Counties
you must have a physician’s order and an appointment Mon – Sat 8:30 – 3:30

Dutchess Business Notification Network

Dutchess Responds
Dutchess County is a community that truly cares and we have come together to rapidly respond to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak. Whether you need help getting food, medications, or household essentials or you want to offer help and assistance through monetary donations, collecting or donating goods, volunteering, or more. We can connect you!

Community Resource Guide from United Way of Dutchess – Orange Region

Small businesses in Dutchess County Now Eligible for Disaster Relief
Dutchess County business are eligible for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. For further guidance and instruction on applying for an SBA loan you can also reach out to the Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center (845) 802-9150.

Essential Businesses Defined

Viruses Don’t Discriminate and Neither Should We 

CITY OF BEACON

City Hall will remain open to the public. The Building Department will be closed to visits from the public but will remain open via telephone and email. Documents can be exchanged with the Building Department through the Mayor’s Office.

Clerk’s Office: The Clerk’s Office has suspended issuing marriage licenses at this time.

City of Beacon Local Resource Guide

GET INVOLVED

New York State
New York State is doing all it can to keep New Yorkers safe and stop the spread of COVID-19. But we’re stronger if we all work together. Governor Cuomo is calling on health care professionals, schools of public health or medicine and PPE products providers and manufacturers to come forward to support the state’s response. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be disruptive, but we will get through this together.

Dutchess County
Dutchess Responds, we can connect you.

Check out today’s Coronavirus update from County Executive Molinaro about the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county, the number of tests administered, and a quick reminder to fill out your census data at 2020census.gov

To learn more about how you can help, visit DutchessNY.gov/DutchessResponds