COVID-19 is a new coronavirus first detected in the Hubei Province in China in December 2019. With thousands of confirmed cases in China, the novel coronavirus has spread internationally to South Korea, Japan, Italy, and others, including the United States. International health organizations continue to learn more about this virus, including development of vaccines.  

Washington County’s Departments of Public Health and Public Safety in conjunction with County Administration are continuing to work closely with our state and federal health agencies to monitor the spread of the disease and act decisively to ensure we are as prepared as possible to keep Washington County safe and healthy. 

STAY UP TO DATE AND INFORMED

Washington County will be distributing a community update message via email once daily, typically in the afternoon, which will include updated COVID-19 information and statistics. If you’re interested in receiving the daily update message, sign up here.

CASE STATUS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

Currently, our Washington County Public Health professionals continue monitoring a number local residents (statistics shown below) who either reported close contact with a subject testing positive for COVID-19 and quarantined, or were tested accordingly for COVID-19. 

Case Status data updated: 05/14/2020, 9:00 PM

_{*Privacy note: While we understand many in our communities would like to know more specific information about the COVID-19 positive patients and their locations, due to privacy regulations coupled with the county’s privacy policy, Washington County will not routinely release specific identifying information about patients (i.e., age, location) unless it aids in the Public Health investigation and identification of additional PUIs. Please remember, the identified PUIs and COVID-19 patients are under quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure and are not out in the public. Public Health conducts a public health investigation on every COVID-19 positive patient and makes notification to those identified as having close personal contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.}

NOTES ON TODAY'S NEW CASES

Since yesterday's report, eight new COVID-19 + cases were added / processed, there were ten new recoveries of active cases and two active cases are hospitalized. Five of today's new cases are related to active COVID-19 + cases / investigations and the remaining three cases are under investigation and currently identified as a "community" cases with unknown origin at this time. The Public Health Investigations and Contact Tracing efforts are still ongoing for today's new cases and new cases are continuing to come in and await processing.

AWAITING MASK GUIDANCE UPDATES FROM NYS

Yesterday, the CDC announced changes to its previously issued guidance on mask use relative to those who have been "fully vaccinated" (defined as 2 weeks after the 2nd Dose is received of a two-dose series (Moderna, Pfizer) or 2 weeks after the 1 Dose of J&J). In the changes, the CDC notes, "Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance." In NYS, the Governor's executive order pertaining to mask use remains in effect as-is and has not yet been modified. Late yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo acknowledged the CDC's change to the guidance with this statement he released: "In New York, we have always relied on the facts and the science to guide us throughout the worst of this pandemic and in our successful reopening. We have received the newly revised guidance from the CDC regarding mask wearing and social distancing for those with vaccinations and are reviewing them in consultation with Dr. Zucker and our partners and health experts in surrounding states." We all are still awaiting the guidance from our state partners on the changes relative to mask use for those fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 VACCINATION EFFORTS - UPDATE

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER VACCINATION EFFORT!

In a coordinated effort with the The Fort Miller Co., Inc., our  Washington County, NY Public Health Department and the EMS Vaccination Team, lead by Paramedics from the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, Inc administered an additional 44 #ShotsInArms today! Many thanks to our Public Health & EMS Vax Team, the The Fort Miller Co., Inc. and those involved helping to coordinate these community efforts, including our local officials and school partners! 

SPECIAL 📺 MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY VACCINATION TEAM

The Washington County COVID-19 Vaccination Team (composed of members of our Washington County, NY Public Health Department, County EMS Vaccination Team & ServNY Volunteers, recorded a special video message for everyone in our communities regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, information and FAQ's about the vaccine and our community vaccination "Pop-Up" event schedule for the month ahead, watch here:

COVID-19 VACCINE COMMUNITY "POP-UPS" CONTINUE

In continuing our community vaccination initiative, our Public Health and EMS Vaccination Team will be continuing our vaccination efforts tomorrow (Saturday), both at our Burgoyne Avenue Campus (9AM - 10:30AM, featuring Moderna and J&J) and at a special event at the Whitehall Chamber's "Spring Fling" Craft Festival (12PM-3PM, featuring J&J). Appointments are encouraged for each of our clinics to help ensure the best possibility of receiving the vaccine the recipient would like, walk-ins will be accepted based on the availability of the vaccine.

Click Image Below to get the PDF of the Vaccine Consent Form.  

Please review the Vaccine Consent Form before your come to a Pop-Up Clinic.  

Even better, print out a copy of the Vaccine Consent' fill it out and bring with you.  Please print legibly. 

WHY GET VACCINATED? 

Building defenses against COVID-19 in our communities is a team effort, each and every one of us is a key part of that defense and adds another layer of protection against COVID-19. Everyone (living or working in NYS) age 16 and over are eligible for vaccination today! Have questions about the vaccines themselves or the process? The AdCouncil has a great info site here with all the answers to help you decide which vaccine is right for you 👉 http://getvaccineanswers.org 

HOMEBOUND? REGISTER FOR VACCINATION TODAY!

Our Public Health & EMS Vaccination Team members are also continuing to conduct Homebound vaccinations this week. To register for homebound vaccination through Washington County, go to our website here washingtoncountyny.gov/vaccineregistry 

ALL NYS MASS VACCINATION SITES TO OPEN FOR WALK INS

Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced that all New York State run Mass Vaccination sites will be open to all eligible adults for "walk-in" vaccination beginning on April 29th. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. Read the Governor's full announcement here.

I WANT TO BE VACCINATED, WHAT CAN I DO?

County Public Health is only one of the many options available for access to vaccination (and many of the others receive larger allocations of vaccine than the counties), we encourage everyone in our communities to ensure you explore every available option if you want to be vaccinated!

• YOU MUST BE ELIGIBLE! Are you? http://bit.ly/COVID19_AmIEligible (state sites)
• Check our site for updates: washingtoncountyny.gov/coronavirus
• Sign-up for our Vaccine Registry for local events: bit.ly/WashCoNYVaxInterest
• No internet access? Call (518)746-2422 (County events / info)
• No internet access? Call (833)NYS-4VAX (state run sites)
• Check with your Healthcare Provider
• Check with local Pharmacies
  • Walgreens at http://bit.ly/Walgreens_CovidVax
  • Rite Aid at http://bit.ly/RiteAid_CovidVax
  • CVS at http://bit.ly/CVS_CovidVax
  • Hannaford at http://bit.ly/Hannaford_CovidVax

For the latest information on the COVID-19 Vaccine and NYS Vaccine Distribution Program, check the state's website here: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/

Our team at Washington County, NY Public Health Department remains committed to ensuring all those in our county who wish to be vaccinated can be vaccinated! The distribution of vaccine is an extensive process and will take a significant amount of time to get to everyone (approximately 14 weeks for those currently eligible), we are required to abide by the stipulations as set forth in the state's distribution program and are limited by supply. We encourage everyone to stay up to date, informed and be patient as we all work through these challenges together.

VACCINATION EVENTS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

_{*As local (Washington County hosted) events are added, this chart will be updated. Events will fill up extremely fast and supply remains extremely limited, continue to check back for updates.}

NYS COVID-19 "VACCINE TRACKER"

Governor Cuomo recently released a statewide system tracking delivery of vaccine by residency of the person(s) vaccinated. To view the date published by the state relative to vaccine distribution and delivery, you can view the Vaccine Tracker here: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-tracker . For local reference, the Washington County Public Health & EMS Vaccination Team has delivered 7,929 (4,095 1st Doses, 3,708 2nd Doses and 126 of the J&J single dose) #shotsinarms ! According to the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker, as of 05/07, Washington County has had a total of 21,662 community members having received the completed vaccine series, 26,844 (or 43.9% of our population) with at least one dose. Our 65+ total population vaccinated is at 74%.

UPDATED "BREAKTHROUGH" COVID-19 CASE STATISTICS - 05/10/2021

IS YOUR COVID-19 TEST RESULT PENDING? QUARANTINE!

If you've been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting your results PLEASE ensure you remain quarantined until your results return! We have seen recent cases with preventable exposures of those who continued their daily routine without quarantining while awaiting results, which returned positive. Need info on how and where to get tested? We've got you covered here: http://bit.ly/COVIDTestFinder

ACTIVE COVID-19 + CASES BY TOWN MAP UPDATED 05/14/2021

Each Friday, we will be releasing a graphic map showing active COVID-19 + cases by town. ⚠: Please understand that the absence of confirmed cases in a community does not mean there is not a COVID-19 risk in that community. We are encouraging everyone in our communities to ensure to take all necessary precautions while out in public. There is no one area that is "safer" from exposure to COVID-19 than another! 👉 MASK UP. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED / REMAINS IN EFFECT

Washington County Board of Supervisors Chairman Samuel J. Hall declared a State of Emergency for Washington County, initially effective as of 2:00 PM on March 16, 2020. The State of Emergency allows the county to continue facilitating the ongoing response to COVID-19 and to provide the County of Washington and local organizations with the flexibility needed to respond to this imminent threat to public health, safety and quality of life.

• Washington County State of Emergency Declaration: Extension effective April 5, 2021
• Washington County Executive Order: 2021.3 - Issued April 19, 2021

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES REOPENING CHANGES

Earlier today, Governor Cuomo announced reopening changes relative (but not limited) to:

• Venues hosting events
• Quarantine of fully vaccinated domestic travelers
• Outdoor gathering limits (Residential and non-residential)

REQUIRED REPORTING OF EVENTS TO LOCAL HEALTH

In accordance with the state's guidance (dated February 24, 2021): Responsible Parties must notify their respective county health department or local public health authority if they plan to host in-person and catered events with more than 50 attendees, as of February 24, 2021.

Complete the Large Gathering / Event Notification Form here to notify our Public Health department of the event accordingly.

COUNTY PROVIDES PATHWAY TO "HIGH-RISK" SPORTS

Washington County and our Public Health professionals recognize the positive impacts and effects sports have on our students, families, schools and communities, we also recognize the importance of education and the challenges our school communities have worked through together to keep our schools operational with as much in-person instruction as possible throughout the pandemic. In an effort to allow those school districts and students/families who wish to participate in higher-risk sports, working in conjunction with neighboring counties, we are releasing “Guidance to Participate in Higher-Risk Sports”, which has been developed to provide each school with a path to progress forward, which includes required components of school operations, health and safety for all those participating. Read our full "News Flash" here, which contains a link to the guidance: http://bit.ly/WashCoHighRiskSports

KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCING, WEAR A MASK WHEN IN PUBLIC

We encourage all those in our communities to use all efforts of ‘social-distancing’ as an effective public health measure to prevent and slow the transmission of COVID-19. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order, a face covering or mask must be worn when in public and unable to socially distance (exceptions: under two years old, those medically unable to tolerate a face covering / mask).

STAY HOME. STOP THE SPREAD. SAVE LIVES.

SYMPTOMS

The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

The CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to areas of concern, contact your health provider by phone immediately.

COVID-19 TESTING SITES & INFORMATION

Testing sites for COVID-19 can be found by searching the state’s COVID-19 testing site here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you 

PREVENTION

While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

HOW YOU CAN HELP - VOLUNTEER & DONATION PROGRAM

• NYS COVID-19 Volunteer & Donation Assistance Program

PUBLIC / COMMUNITY INFORMATION

• NYSDOH Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
• Know the Facts About COVID-19 and Help Stop the Spread of Rumors
• CDC COVID-19
• NYSDOH COVID-19
• US Food and Drug Administration COVID-19
• Saratoga, Washington, Warren County COAD (Communities Organizations Active in Disasters) Situation Report

SPECIALIZED INFORMATION

• Child Care and Schools
• Businesses
• Travelers
• Managing Anxiety & Stress associated with COVID-19
• Talking with Children about COVID-19
• NYS Mental Health Support Line for COVID-19: (844)863-9314

CYBERSECURITY INFORMATION ON COVID-19

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.

CISA encourages individuals to remain vigilant and take the following precautions.

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. See Using Caution with Email Attachments and Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Scams for more information.
• Use trusted sources—such as legitimate, government websites—for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19.
• Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information.
• Verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. Review the Federal Trade Commission’s page on Charity Scams for more information.