Update COVID-19

Update COVID-19 March 29, 2020

UPDATE: COVID-19 Information for Saratoga County — March 29, 2020
 
Ballston Spa, NY — The Saratoga County Department of Public Health today announced that there are 108 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saratoga County at this time. Yesterday, Saratoga County reported 110 cases, but upon investigation we learned that three of those individuals did not live within the county. There is one additional case of COVID-19 reported today. Of the 108 cases, there are 14 individuals hospitalized.
 
On Friday, March 27th, a 95-year-old woman who had tested positive for COVID-19 passed away at Glens Falls Hospital.
 
There remains a limited availability of COVID-19 tests available in the region. The number of confirmed cases is not believed to accurately reflect the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the community. It is important that everyone continues to work together to ‘flatten the curve’ and take precautions to protect themselves.
 
There are reports that people are still congregating outdoors, at parks and golf courses in groups. Social distancing cannot be practiced while riding in a golf cart or gathering in groups. The Saratoga County Department of Public Health advises that individuals maintain a physical distance of greater than 6 feet, and refrain from sharing things like drinks or towels
 
Today, the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services, Department of Public Health and Sheriff’s Office continue to distribute PPE and hand sanitizer to our frontline healthcare workers and first responders.
 
The availability of testing at local hospitals remains limited and the criteria for testing has become more stringent. Residents who are experiencing symptoms should call their doctor, and if the criteria is met, testing will be ordered. Because testing may be delayed, it is important that everyone continue to minimize in-person interaction with others, practice social distancing, practice good hand hygiene and stay home as much as possible.
 
If you are a person who is over the age of 65 or someone of any age who has a chronic disease or disorder, you are considered to be at high risk and more vulnerable to contracting the virus.
 
All vulnerable people should adhere to the following rules for personal conduct:
remain indoors unless you go outside to do solitary exercise;
pre-screen all visitors by taking temperatures;
don’t visit households with multiple people;
wear a mask in the presence of others;
stay six feet away from others; and
do not take public transportation, unless absolutely necessary.
 
Dr. Michael Prezioso, Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services for Saratoga County, has a message for residents who are experiencing stress and anxiety during this pandemic:
 
“COVID-19 has created the perfect environment for ‘what-if’ thinking: what if I, or someone close to me, gets sick? What if I can’t get groceries or medications? It can be easy to think the worst. 
 
“These thoughts and feelings are normal for the circumstances, though they might look different for different people. But remember, all of us can still ACT:
 
Acknowledge the situation;
Commit to new solutions;
Take care of yourself!”
 
Businesses with surplus personal protective gear, such as N95 masks, gloves and gowns, are asked to contact the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services if they would be able to make a donation to the county’s emergency management team.
 
Residents can enroll in the county’s CodeRED emergency notification system to receive updates from the county’s Emergency Management Team. To enroll, follow this link: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF26DE55718D
 
PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE AND ADVISORIES 

Residents should adhere to guidance issued by the State of New York and the public health advisories issued by the Saratoga County Department of Public Health.
 
Residents who have been advised to self-isolate need to frequently disinfect and sanitize commonly used surfaces; tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter-tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
 
Saratoga County Department of Public Health Director Cathi Duncan reminds parents that children home from school should also refrain from congregating in groups and should follow the social distancing recommendations.
 
Residents are also reminded that in order to be tested for COVID-19, an order is required from a medical doctor or healthcare provider. Guidelines related to testing criteria are changing as we learn more about the virus. Please consult with your doctor to learn if you meet the criteria required for COVID-19 testing. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you may call the Department of Public Health. If an individual believes they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 they should contact their primary care physician ahead of time to make an appointment.
 
Residents who have been advised by their doctor to self-isolate and who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 should follow the directions of their doctor, which may include: staying home and self-isolating; using a separate bathroom from household members; staying at least six feet away from other household members; resting; staying hydrated; and refraining from having any visitors into their home.
 
If an individual has questions regarding COVID-19, they can contact the state Department of Health hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
 
MENTAL HEALTH GUIDANCE
 
Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Director Dr. Michael Prezioso urges adults to remember that children have questions too. Parents and guardians should offer reassurance and answer questions in terms that young people will understand. Children will be looking to the adults in their lives to see how worried they should be. Show them how to face challenges with courage, kindness and determination. 
 
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The Emergency Management Team is accepting donations of N95 masks and other medical supplies such as gloves, protective face masks and medical gowns. Any individual or business with access to these resources is asked to call the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services.
 
SYMPTOMS AND AVOIDANCE

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: cough, fever, trouble breathing and pneumonia.
 
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
 
Practice physical distancing and avoid handshakes.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, then 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.