COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Dear Families,

In spite of all of the sorrow, chaos, and uncertainty in the world right now, the world moves on – and we with it. I hope this update finds you and your family safe and healthy on this beautiful spring day.

We still do not have any confirmed cases in our school community. Columbia County, as of yesterday, has 41 positive cases (compared to 18 a week ago). Six of those cases are hospitalized and four of those are in the ICU. Unfortunately, this past weekend Columbia County saw the first death from COVID-19.

It’s hard to report these statistics without noting how numbers can be deceiving. Because of testing restrictions and long term lack of access to healthcare in our county, we can safely assume that there are more positive cases than are being reported. Same goes for our neighbors in Greene County where there is no hospital and even greater issues with healthcare access.

Despite our uncertainty in the numbers, we can look to hospitalized cases and deaths as an indicator of how widespread this virus is. In New York City, the hospitals are overwhelmed and deaths are rising rapidly. However, here in Columbia County, our hospital is currently within capacity. Physical distancing is not proving to flatten the curve in New York City, but here in our rural community we have a fighting chance if we stay vigilant!

As always, if you have a fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath, or if you have reason to believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call Columbia Memorial Health’s hotline at 518-828-8249. If you, or anyone in your family, tests positive or is placed on quarantine please notify the school.

Our local nursing homes have been closed to visitors for weeks. When looking to give acts of kindness in the coming weeks, please consider sending our local elders some love in the form of cards, drawings, or paintings.

Camphill Ghent

Attn: Rosie Edwards

2542 Route 66

Chatham, NY 12037

Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Attn: Brandi McCagg

201 Main St.

Philmont, NY 12565

FASNY Fireman’s Home

Attn: Matthew Plew

125 Harry Howard Ave.

Hudson, NY 12534

Livingston Hills Nursing and Rehab Center

Attn: Desiree Kraft

PO Box 95

Livingston, NY 12541

Whittier Rehabilitation

Attn: Sarah Thomas

1 Whittier Way

Ghent, NY 12075

Take good care,

Kara Desiderio

School Nurse

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