March 2020 and prior

3/12/2020
COVID-19 Now Confirmed in Dutchess County

A Message From Supervisor Richard L. Thurston

Dear Wappinger Residents,

I would like to report on the most recent developments related to the COVID-19 virus:

  • Governor Cuomo and County Executive Molinaro have announced that the first positive case of the Covid19 virus has appeared in Dutchess County.
  • There is no positive case in the Town of Wappinger or Village of Wappingers Falls;
  • The Department of Health and County Department of Behavioral and Community Health are advising that the one case does NOT pose a public health risk at this time.
  • Nevertheless, the State and County officials are recommending that, in order to limit transmission risks, we should
    • continue with social distancing  and personal hygiene practices;
    • consider limiting mass gatherings where and when appropriate of more than 20 persons;
    • this limitation on public activities will continue at least through the end of April;
    • We want to minimize a potential spike in transmissions

 

What does this mean for the Town of Wappinger?

  • Effective immediately, all indoor and outdoor events of 20 or more people scheduled by the Town to occur during the months of March and April are being postponed to a later date. Please refer to the Town’s recreation website, the Town website and our Social media for further information;
  • TOWN HALL WILL REMAIN OPEN during normal working hours UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE – WE ARE CONTINUING TO FOLLOW BASIC HYGIENIC PRACTICES WITHIN OUR TOWN BUILDINGS;
  • At this time, we plan to keep our senior center open but want to encourage anyone who feels under the weather not to come in that day. This being said, we will ask any person showing any sneezing; coughing, other signs of possible illness to leave so we ask you to self-isolate;
  • For scheduled Public Meetings, such as those of the Town Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board we have not yet decided whether or not to cancel any meetings. We will advise no later than the morning of the day of the scheduled meeting. We advise as many people as possible to watch our broadcasts via cable and livestreaming;
  • Many non-town sponsored events will also likely be postponed or cancelled since the County and State officials are covering all organizations throughout the State.

 

  • For questions related to the Coronavirus, the County has established the following contact information:
  • Website: dutchessNY.gov/Coronavirus
  • Coronavirus Information Line (845) 486-3555

Richard L. Thurston – Wappinger Town Supervisor

The most up to date global information can be gathered from the CDC directly at https://www.cdc.gov/covid19 and at the World Health Organization https://www.who.int/ websites. The Dutchess County Website is: www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus. NY State website is: https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

Please click the following link to download helpful tips and information including – How to make hand sanitizer & Ten Reasons why you ought not to panic.

 

 

 

Dutchess County Actively Working to Protect Residents from Novel Coronavirus
A Statement from Department of Behavioral & Community Health on the threat of a novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Published: 2/6/2020

For More Information Contact:

A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH, Commissioner, 845-486-3432 

Coronaviruses are an extremely common family of viruses that can cause fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. A novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Over time and with person-to-person spread occurring, cases have been identified beyond China facilitated by international travel. Currently, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people, but the situation is evolving rapidly.

Cases have been identified within the United States associated with travel from China, but there has been no evidence of sustained transmission. Residents should be aware that spread from person-to-person happens most often among close contacts (about 6 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

DBCH Commissioner A.K. Vaidian said, “There are currently NO confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus in New York State. There are currently NO confirmed cases in Dutchess County, despite the spread of reports on social media stating the opposite.  The likelihood of cases being identified in Dutchess County is low, but, as a County we remain vigilant and are ready to be called on to respond to and address any resident’s concerns they may have.”

It is important to know that individuals are at greater risk for other respiratory illnesses in our area, such as influenza and it’s not too late to get a flu shot.  The DBCH recommends everyone six months and older be vaccinated against the flu to reduce their risk of becoming ill.  You can protect yourself from respiratory viruses, such as influenza and 2019-nCoV by:

  1. Washing your hands regularly. 
    Germs and viruses are found on frequently touched surfaces, such as keyboards, handles, doorknobs, and railings.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  2. Covering your cough.  
    Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
  3. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects.  
    Use disinfectant to clean telephones, keyboards, doorknobs, desktops, etc.
  4. Staying home when you are sick.  
    If you are not feeling well, stay home.  Limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.  If you need to see your healthcare provider, call ahead and let them know you are coming in.  Ask for a mask to be available before you enter the provider’s office.
  5. Increasing the distance between you and other people.
    Most respiratory illnesses, like flu, can be transmitted through close contact, including kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, cups, and cigarettes, talking to someone closely, and touching someone directly.  In community settings, you will want to keep at least 6 feet between you and others. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

For up-to-date information on the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), please visit www.DutchessNY.gov/Coronavirus. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider.  If you have a question about your risk of exposure, call the New York State Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline at (888) 364-3065.