Dear Families,
I hope this weekly update finds you safe and healthy…and possibly even embracing the slowness and finding yourself thriving in unexpected ways. A big thanks again for keeping me informed of the health and potential exposure of your family. Please continue to do so. It’s very helpful to our community as a whole.
In Columbia County, as of yesterday, there are 100 positive cases with 42 of those cases recovered. Currently, 10 of the remaining 58 active cases are hospitalized and 3 of those are in the ICU. Columbia County is expected to receive 1,000 test kits by the end of this week, which will enable them to lift the testing restrictions locally and offer testing to the general public. I will share information about that as it becomes available.
New York State is working on expanding eligibility for antibody testing. At this time, the test is only available for frontline healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers. The antibody test, collected via finger prick, checks for the presence of antibodies to Covid-19. A positive antibody test may mean that a person has at least
some
immunity – although experts are not sure how strong the immunity may be or even how long it will last. Leaders believe that antibody testing will have important implications for people’s ability to return to work. New York State is looking to bring mass antibody testing to scale statewide by the end of the month.
A few other resources and points of information I wanted to share:
- A new order in New York State requires all people in New York (ages 2 years and older) to wear a mask or face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. Permitted face coverings include proper masks, as well as scarves or bandannas. If you are in need of masks, please reply to this email and I will connect you with local folks that are making them.
- We are seeing a severe blood shortage due to the implementation of social distancing and cancellation of blood drives nationally. If you are a person who is eligible to give blood, please consider doing so at these upcoming local blood drives:
- Tuesday, April 28th at the Hudson City Fire House (95 N 7thSt.) from 1pm – 6pm
- Friday, May 8th at the Taconic Hills High School (73 Route 11A) from 9am – 3pm
- Purpose, a co-working and maker space cooperative in Philmont, is making face shields for Columbia Memorial Hospital and assembling them at the Basilica in Hudson. Please consider supporting this local project by donating to their fundraiser.
- The Hudson Youth Department is delivering free groceries twice a week to Hudson families in need. Please consider supporting our local families by donating to their fundraiser.
As always, please stay home for 14 days if you are experiencing any symptoms or illness. We all have the power to slow down the spread!
Take good care,
Kara Desiderio
School Nurse
