Coronavirus Information

COVID19 Header New transp

CORONAVIRUS

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. 

CASE STATUS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

Currently, Washington County Public Health is monitoring local residents (numbers shown below) who reported close contact with a subject testing positive for COVID-19. The residents being monitored / listed below are under quarantine.

CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES
TOTAL CURRENT PUI
(PERSONS UNDER INVESTIGATION)
8102

Case Status data updated: 03/27/2020, 12:44 PM

Special Notes added 03/23, 1:45 PM: The PUI numbers change daily as PUIs are added or complete their quarantine periods and are removed from the PUI listing.

*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.

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.

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

Washington County Board of Supervisors Chairman Samuel J. Hall has declared a State of Emergency for Washington County, effective as of 2:00 PM on March 16, 2020, and will remain in effect for the next thirty days, or until rescinded. 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.

MESSAGE TO OUR VISITORS, WEEKENDERS & SECOND-HOME OWNERS

Washington County Board of Supervisors Chairman Samuel J. Hall has written a message to our visitors, weekenders and second-home owners in Washington County. Please read the message and help us by staying home, stopping the spread and saving lives!

COUNTY OPERATIONS STATUS

As part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak and in an effort to reduce exposure and the spread of the virus to our essential employees and members of our community, Washington County Board of Supervisors Chairman Samuel J. Hall issued an Executive Order under Article 24 of the Executive Law of the State of New York ordering all county facilities be closed to the public as of the close of business on March 18, 2020.

  • Only essential services, departments and employees, as determined by the Chairman of the Board, will continue to operate to provide Public Safety, Public Health and safety needs of the members of our communities.
  • All essential Public Safety and Public Health related services remain operational or available on an "as needed" basis to support essential or emergency operations.
  • The Code Enforcement Building Permit process is also hereby suspended - all "in progress" approved projects can continue, all new project approvals are suspended until business resumes.

See the below notes for a few specific departments still providing limited services:

  • SOCIAL SERVICES / OFFICE FOR THE AGING / NY CONNECTS: Social Services will continue operating with reduced staff providing immediate and safety needs including the following services, Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM:
    • Temporary Assistance
    • HEAP
    • SNAP
    • Home Delivered Meals
    • Child Protective Services
    • Protective Services for Adults

Have further Social Services questions? You can reach the office at (518)746-2425 during business hours. Please be aware that due to staff reductions, if you have a current case your worker may not be available, and you will be directed to an worker in that unit. We thank you for your cooperation to help reduce any potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.

  • SHERIFF’S OFFICE: The Sheriff’s Office road and corrections units are of course still operational but some divisions will be limited. Civil, Pistol Permit and records employees are working reduced hours which may create delays. We ask that those with related business call the office first as we are accepting approved appointments only. Jail inmates visits are suspended but we are making arrangements to allow inmates to make extra phone calls. Please know that we are taking every precaution to limit visitors, limit staff contact and interaction while still protecting the public and our employees. On March 26, 2020, the Sheriff’s Office launched a new online reporting form for reporting non-emergency complaints.
  • PUBLIC HEALTH: Public Health’s nursing functions continue during normal business hours, Monday - Friday - you can reach them direct at (518)746-2400. WIC will continue providing essential services, however appointments are required - WIC can be reached at (518)746-2460.
  • DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES: DMV is closed until further notice, which includes any previous appointments. Many DMV transactions can be processed online at dmv.ny.gov .
  • LEAP /  LEAP FOOD PANTRY: LEAP’s Food Pantry has been temporarily re-located to the Washington County WIC building (located next door, light yellow building). Visits are by appointment only! Please call (518)409-5199 to make an appointment and for any other LEAP services.

Members of the public with needs for other services shall contact the department by phone or check the department’s page on the county website at washingtoncountyny.gov for additional information.

We thank everyone for their understanding and patience during this difficult time. PLEASE continue washing your hands, exercise ’social distancing’, stay home if you can! Stay safe and healthy!

NEW YORK STATE ON PAUSE

  • Effective March 22 at 8:00 PM, Governor Cuomo has ordered the following:
  • Non-essential businesses statewide to close
  • Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (i.e., parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed
  • Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced
  • When in public, individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others
  • Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet
  • Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people
  • Individuals should limit the use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders
  • Sick individuals should not leave their homes unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health
  • Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations
  • Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes

CLOSINGS OF LOCAL SCHOOLS / BUSINESSES

With recent announcements of the altering of schedules / closings of schools and businesses in the area, we understand and support the decisions of our local school and business leaders in an abundance of caution for the health, safety and welfare of those in their care.

ENCOURAGING ’SOCIAL DISTANCING’

We encourage all those in our communities to continue all efforts of ‘social-distancing’ as an effective public health measure to prevent and slow the transmission of COVID-19. 

STAY HOME. STOP THE SPREAD. SAVE LIVES.

SYMPTOMS

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

  • cough
  • fever
  • trouble breathing
  • pneumonia

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.

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.

HELP US PROTECT OUR FIRST RESPONDERS

Many of our First Responder agencies are in urgent need of PPE to protect their personnel (and our lifelines!), we’re looking for:

  • Surgical Masks with or without face shields
  • N95 Masks
  • Isolation Gowns (disposable)

👉 Know someone who has a supply they are not using and may be able to spare? Reach out to us via email at publicsafety@washingtoncountyny.gov .

PUBLIC INFORMATION

SPECIALIZED INFORMATION

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.

Economic Development

The Economic Development has posted important information related to State and Federal business help during CV-19 on their web page: 

https://washingtoncountyny.gov/470/Economic-Development