Helpful Information Regarding COVID-19

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Governor Cuomo’s team have established a new webpage to search for Covid Testing Sites in your area.   www.coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you  Enter your address to view a list and a map view of the nearest testing sites.

New York State has also integrated their testing site list into Google Maps … search for “COVID testing near me” for the nearest testing sites.

More than 60 CVS Pharmacies across New York State will soon be offering Covid 19 Testing.  Check with your local store for more information.

Please remember you must always schedule an appointment to get a COVID-19 diagnostic test – either by consultation with your primary physician or by calling 1-888-364-3065.

And Governor Cuomo issued a reminder that there are mental health resources available to those who need it. The past few months have been hard for everyone. If you need emotional support, call the New York State Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to schedule a free appointment with a mental health professional. New Yorkers can access additional mental health resources at www.headspace.com/ny

A COMMUNITY APPEAL FROM A VERY LOYAL WBPM LISTENER – Friday April 10^th 2020

Chris Bonelli works as a medical transporter at Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston.  The ‘tidal wave’ of virus cases in Ulster County is growing.  Chris and his co-workers are anticipating an oncoming ‘tidal wave’ of Ulster County virus cases at the hospital and they expect that many will be young kids and teenagers who will be separated from their families.  Chris has an idea to provide comfort to them while they’re being cared for in the hospital.   If you … or someone you know … own a comic book store, could you donate new comic books with protective mylar sleeves and boards that can be sterilized and distributed to these kids and teens???  Contact Chris Bonelli  at 845-663-3745 or by email [email protected]  He’s trying to get all donations by no later than Monday April 13^th. Your donation will really make a difference. Thank You from 92.9 WBPM.

ULSTER COUNTY NEEDS LOCAL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

The Ulster County Department of Health is actively seeking doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to assist in the County’s response to COVID-19.  Commissioner of Health Dr. Carol Smith said that county government is trying to ensure that Ulster County is prepared for any scenario.  Fill out the form on this page … www.ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus … or call the Ulster County COVID-19 Hotline: 845-443-8888

SHOP LOCAL

Locally owned small businesses are the core of the economy in our communities.  Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan and Dutchess County Executive Mark Molinaro are encouraging everyone to make online purchases from local businesses.

DAYCARE

New York State Schools have been allowed to host free child day care for parents who are essential workers.

DUTCHESS DATA DASHBOARD

Dutchess County has launched a new website feature … the COVID-19 Data Dashboard which has multiple data windows.  Visit dutchessny.gov and click on Data Dashboard.  Every community in Dutchess County has been impacted by the coronavirus.

NEIGHBORHOODS

The Town of East Fishkill has closed all neighborhood playgrounds until further notice. The State Parks in Fishkill remain open.

There is now a ban on all non-essential construction work.  Anything that can be done with one person is allowed … but a team project like a house addition or other similar work is now prohibited.

Pharmacies have agreed to provide home delivery of medications to reduce the number of people in their stores.

NEW GUIDELINES FOR UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

Unemployment is expected to hit at least 15% by this summer with millions of people out of work.  Many are saying that a Great Depression is looming.

If you’ve been furloughed or dismissed from your job … there are many companies here in the Hudson Valley looking for staff right now … visit the New York Department of Labor website     labor.ny.gov   Click on Find a Job and then scroll down to State Job Bank.

The New York State Department of Labor has eliminated the 7 day waiting period for people who have been dismissed from their job because of COVID-19 cutbacks or closures.  They’ve adopted a name and day system which goes like this…

If your last name starts with A – F, file your claim on Monday.

For last names starting with G – N, file your claim on Tuesday.

For last names starting with O – Z, file your claim on Wednesday.

If you missed your filing day, file your claim on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Filing later in the week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim.

The Department of Labor Website is website is    applications.labor.ny.gov

Paul Palidino, the super intendent of the Kingston schools, said that families in need of internet service to connect to online Distance Learning Programs for children should contact Spectrum – they’re offering free service for online learning during.  Call 1-844-488-8398

The Kingston City Schools Website contains a great deal of information that is helpful for students and family members as home education programs continue.  Visit kingstoncityschools.org 

The Columbia County and Greene County School Districts have posted on their website that all schools will remain closed through April 24^th. At this time, they intend to resume normal classes on Monday, April 27, 2020.

TESTING SITES

Ulster County has set up a drive-through mobile COVID-19 testing site at Tech City in Kingston and is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  The second site has been opened at Ellenville Regional Hospital and that location is open weekdays 9am to 2pm. The mobile sites will reduce possible exposure to COVID-19 at hospitals and other medical offices.  For more information about the Ulster Testing Site, call 845-443-8888.  by appointment only made by your doctor. For additional information visit: ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus

Dutchess County’s mobile testing site is at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill and appointments made by your doctor are required.  For more information in Dutchess county call 845 486 3555

In Greene County, The Public Health Department is available by Appointment Only. Call 518-719-3600

The Green County Health Department is directing anyone who things they need to be tested for Covid 19 to the Capital Region Testing Site on the UAlbany campus – 1400 Washington Avenue, Colonial Quad parking lot, accessible from main UAlbany entry, off Washington Avenue, Albany.  The site will prioritize tests for individuals among the highest risk population.

APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED. Residents who would like to be tested must make an appointment by calling 888-364-3065. NO WALK-INS allowed. All patients must be in a vehicle.   A screening form for testing should be completed ahead of arrival. Screening form can be found by following this link covid19screening.health.ny.gov. Once the screening form is completed, site administrators will contact the individual to set up an appointment.   Testing will open Monday, April 6, 2020, at 10 am. Site hours will be Monday – Sunday, 8 am- 6 pm.

New Yorkers who are without – or – lose their Health Insurance can apply for coverage through the NY State of Health program within 60 days of losing coverage.

The Nuvance Health Mobile Testing Site in Ellenville was closed last weekend although testing is still available inside Ellenville Hospital.  They’re relocating that operation to a new testing site at 27 Grand Street in the city of Kingston which will open next week.  This site will not require a doctor’s referral or an appointment.  That location is a building which already hosts several medical offices.  This new testing site will operate weekdays from 9am to 4pm.  Doctors referrals and appointments are still required for the Ellenville and Tech City testing sites … call (845) 303-2730 for more information.

Nuvance Health will open a new Testing Site this week at 27 Grand Street in Kingston. There has been a change of policy for this site – doctor referrals will not be necessary but appointments will be required. Call (845) 303-2730.  This site will operate from 9am to 4pm weekdays.  Phone appointments can be made on the weekend.  The mobile testing sites at TechCity in the town of Ulster and Ellenville Community Hospital in Ellenville will continue to operate. Individuals seeking more information about these testing sites can visit the website https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/mobile-testing/.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 

Dutchess County Transit has suspended some of their transit services and bus routes and reducing other routes.  They’ve also launched a new special service for senior citizens, anyone with a disability and veterans same-day on-demand transportation to the remaining bus routes.  For details, google search Dutchess County Transit and choose the first link.

Ulster County Transit has further reduced their fixed route service. They have also launched a no charge on-demand service for essential workers – health care, grocery, pharmacy and other personnel – which is available from 9am to 5pm weekdays only.   To request a ride, please call the day prior and on Friday for a Monday pickup  (845) 334-8120.   For more information on those services … visit facebook . com / Ulster County Area Transit

Metro-North has experienced a 95% drop in customers travelling with them so they have reduced service on the Hudson Line by 50%. Visit MTA.INFO for more information and new schedules.

Trailways Bus Systems have shutdown operations across the country.

FOOD INFORMATION

Kingston Mayor Steve Noble has established a food hotline for families in the Kingston City School District so they can request food or grocery delivery. Local restaurants through Ulster County’s Project Resilience are preparing home-delivered meals with another 600 meals by Family of Woodstock. The hotline number is:  888-316-0879

The Kingston City School District food distribution quadrupled the number of sites offering breakfast & lunch Go-Bags.  Visit kingstoncityschools.org  for the complete list.

The YMCA is providing prepared, microwave-ready meals.  Pick-up and delivery is available weekdays for lunch and dinner. Call them to request meals at (845) 679-2485.

Also in Kingston, the People’s Place is in need of volunteers and donations so that they can continue to provide food support for those in need.  The People’s Place is open on weekdays on a limited schedule … 10 am to 1 pm Monday through Friday with additional services hours on Wednesday evening from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

The Community Cafe is open 8:30am- 1:00pm for take-out breakfast and lunch.

The Bag Student Hunger Program which offers breakfast, lunch and snack items for school age children will continue to run until school resumes. Their distribution schedule will follow the food pantry hours.

The Columbia County Schools will continue to provide weekday school lunches up to Spring Break which begins Saturday April 4^th.  There will not be any service during the scheduled Spring Break week.  Then, beginning April 15^th, Columbia County schools will begin serving “grab and go breakfasts and lunches” on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This schedule reduce the number of times that families have to pick up their meals.

The Greene County Schools are serving breakfast and lunch together to accommodate to everyone and serve as many as possible for both meals.  They have drive through locations listed on the website   green e k 12 dot org.

The Columbia County Department of Social Services is working with the Salvation Army at 40 South 3rd St. in Hudson operating the only soup kitchen in Columbia County that serves daily lunches.  They’re serving hot lunches for take away on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Salvation Army also provides a food pantry Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week from 8 to 10 a.m.

The Kingston school district has united with the Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative – a group of 15 local organizations – to provide 2,500 lunches a week to emergency food distribution efforts.  Anyone in the Kingston school district can access food resources by calling (888) 316-0879.

The Kingston City School District has expanded their locations and times for its free to-go breakfast and lunches for schoolchildren.

The new schedule is as follows:

Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at:

• J. Watson Bailey Middle School, Merilina Avenue, Kingston.
• John F. Kennedy Elementary School, Gross Street, Kingston
• George Washington Elementary School, Washington Avenue, Kingston.

Monday – Friday, 11:15 a.m. to noon:

• Frank L. Meagher Administrative Building, Wynkoop Place.
• Downs Street and Bruyn Avenue, Kingston.
• Sawkill Manufactured Trailer Park, Sawkill Road, town of Ulster.

Mondays – Fridays from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.:

• Robert Graves Elementary School, Clay Road, Port Ewen.
• M.C. Miller Middle School, Fording Place Road, Lake Katrine.
• Stuyvesant Charter Apartments, Kingston.

If people can not make it to a food pick-up distribution location, please call the food hotline at (845) 943-3938.

https://www.kingstoncityschools.org/domain/956

Kingston Sam’s Club is open to the General Public Mon – Sat 9am – 8pm and Sunday’s from 10am – 6pm. We are having Senior/High Risk hours on Tues and Thur 7am – 9am.   Also at these times we are offering a concierge service.  Bring a list of the items you would like to purchase, park in a designated concierge space.  Have your membership card ready.  We come out to your car, gather your list and card, and shop for you.  We load up your car and finalize your transaction right outside.  This service is separate from online in club pickup. This Sunday April 19 we will be starting or Hero’s Hours from 8am – 10am.  For all First Responders and Healthcare Workers: no membership required.

Kingston’s Emergency Food Hotline has added a website, www.kingstonemergencyfood.com. To provide meals and groceries to those in need across the Kingston City School District, the Emergency Food hotline, (888) 316-0879, was created to streamline the intake of requests.

Community Action of Greene County is taking their food pantry on the road. Starting Monday, two days a week … they’ll be making stops at several locations in Greene County with additional locations being added soon. The demand on the Community Action Food Pantry in Greene County this month is up more than 25% compared to this month last year. To receive food from them at these locations, you must call first … 518-943-9205. Their regular distribution hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. https://cagcny.org/emergency-assistance/emergency-food/

The Catskill Community Center’s food pantry has been extremely busy serving at least three times the normal number of residents. Their pantry is open every Wednesday from 1:30-3 p.m. https://www.catskillcommunitycenter.org/

The Coxsackie Area Food Pantry is open 1-2 p.m. on Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m. on Thursdays and 10-11 a.m. Saturdays. https://coxsackie.org/community/food-pantry/

GENERAL HELP INFORMATION

Dutchess County has established Dutchess Responds which has two parts … assistance for people who need help getting food, medications, or household essentials … and … a way for others to help with monetary donations, collecting or donating goods, volunteering, or more.  For information call 845-486-3555 or email [email protected]

NYS launched a new texting program and confidential service to help people .. both men and women .. experiencing domestic violence. It is unfortunate that, during this pandemic lockdown, there has been a rise in domestic violence reports. Abuse victims often have limited opportunities to communicate with others to get help.  If you need help… text this phone number … 844-997-2121 or visit www.opdv.ny.gov to confidentially chat with a professional counselor at any time of day or night.

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Department of Water and Public Works in many of our area towns are asking that the public do not flush those antibacterial wipes.  While many products do say that they’re flushable, wipes and similar products are causing backups in the sewer systems.  Anything that’s not standard toilet paper should not be flushed.  Additionally, do not pour cooking grease down kitchen sinks or toilets. That should be put int a sealed non-recyclable container and throw it out with regular garbage.  Your sink is not a garbage disposal.

CANCELLED EVENTS 

The New York State Department Of Education and the Regents Exam Board are cancelling this year’s tests.    End  wed.

The Dutchess-Ulster American Association Heart Walk scheduled for April 18 will take place in a virtual format. Participants and teams will not physically meet but are invited to get moving at home – in their backyard or around the neighborhood, observing a safe distance from others.

The Kingston Kiwanis “Classic” races for April 26^th have been cancelled.

FOOD SHOPPING / MEAL DELIVERIES

Ulster County residents who are 60 and older and in need of shopping assistance or frozen meals should contact The Ulster County Office for the Aging at (845) 340-3456.

The Dutchess County Office for the Aging is delivering meals to home-bound seniors on weekdays. (845) 486-2555.

Hannaford and Price Chopper supermarkets have shortened their hours of operation — stores are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. — to allow more time for cleaning and restocking. And senior shopping for people 60 and older is from 6 to 7 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Hannaford … and 7 days a week at Price Chopper.

CHILD CARE FOR FRONT LINE WORKERS

The YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County is providing emergency child care for families of first responders in Kingston, New Paltz, Marbletown and Ellenville. Space is limited. Visit y m c a ulster.org

HOW CAN YOU HELP OUR COMMUNITIES

If you’re a medical professional and can join the New York State reserve emergency workforce, please visit ny.gov and click on covid 19 updates or call 1-844-863-9314.  These personnel will be moved around to follow the upcoming hot spots as the critical areas shift over the next few weeks.    TFN

The Ulster County Department of Health is actively seeking doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to ensure that our local hospitals are prepared for the tidal waves.  Over 80 people have signed up to help.  Fill out the form on this page … ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus … or call the Ulster County COVID-19 Hotline: 845-443-8888

Ulster County Community Action is looking for volunteers to help prepare and distribute food to pantries and neighbors in need.  Contact Community Action by phone: 845-338-8750   or contact executive director Greg Howard by email …   [email protected]     

The Dutchess County Coronavirus Hotline is looking for volunteers to help with the volume of phone calls from the community.  You can sign up through the Dutchess Responds webpage at dutchessny.gov/dutchessresponds.

Anyone who can help acquire or donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, gowns, masks and ventilators should email [email protected] or call 646 522 8477.

The Columbia County Salvation Army in Hudson has only two paid staff; the rest are volunteers and they need additional support because several of their chefs are not able to work at this time.

Town officials in Woodstock have put out an appeal for help.  They need volunteers to help shop for grocery items for about 100 people who are at risk in public places during the coronavirus pandemic. They’re currently trying to get the job done with only 2 town employees.  To join their team call the town supervisor’s office at (845) 679-2113, ext. 17.

NYS Senator Sue Serino and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro have established a donation drive to support those caring for the children of first responders, healthcare providers, and essential workers. It’s part of an expansion of the County’s ongoing “Dutchess Responds” initiative. They’re looking for donations of … adult-sized face masks … disinfecting wipes or sterilizing cleaning products … paper towels … gloves … toilet paper … and more.  Donations are being collected at the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam office located at 301 Manchester Road in Poughkeepsie. You must call to make an appointment 845-473-4141 ext. 210

Nominate a Community Champion / Ulster County

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan has launched a new community supported element to the Project Resiliance program.  The Community Champions program gives YOU a chance to honor an amazing essential frontline worker for their exceptional contributions to save our neighborhoods.  To nominate someone you know, click here and fill out the form.  https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/ulster-county-community-champion/

IF YOU’VE RECOVERED FROM COVID 19, YOUR BLOOD CAN HELP OTHERS

Nuvance Health, the parent company of Northern Dutchess Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center, is looking for volunteers who have recovered from the coronavirus to take part in a study to determine whether blood plasma from those individuals can be used to treat people still infected. John Murphy, president and chief executive officer of Nuvance Health, said the group is one of only a few health systems in the tri-state area to study the use of that blood — believed to be rich in the antibodies needed to combat the virus — as a therapy to treat others with significant symptoms of the virus.

Under current guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration, in order to donate, a person must have had a positive COVID-19 test, be symptom-free for at least 14 days with a repeat negative swab or 28 days symptom-free with no need for a repeat swab. However, the health system stated that the criteria are constantly evolving, and it may be possible at some point to evaluate people who may have had COVID-19 but were unable to get a test.

if you qualify… please help by visiting this page to sign up.
A member of the Nuvance Health plasma team will reach out to volunteer donors.

Red Cross Donor Page for Former COVID-19 Patients

People who have recovered from Covid 19 and been clear of symptoms for 28 days are highly encouraged to donate blood because your blood could help save the lives of up to 4 others.  Nuvance Health is opening a Plasma Donation Center next week at Vassar Brothers Medical Center on Monday April 27^th. Individuals must first register online at www.bit.ly/nuvanceplasma. A staff member will contact you with further instructions.

FINANCIAL RECOVERY RESOURCES

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced that the Dutchess Responds Fund has initiated a rolling application process to support nonprofits that have been providing critical support to the community as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.  For information on Grant Applications, call (845) 452-3077 or email [email protected]

 

The village of Catskill launched a new website this week to support local businesses.  Village of Catskill Cares streamlines gift card purchases for village businesses, provides a directory for local businesses so customers can easily get in touch with them and has a resource page for businesses to learn more about financial aid options.

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Please visit the links below for helpful information regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

ULSTER COUNTY COVID-19 HOTLINE:

845-443-8888

 

GREENE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH CALL CENTER:

518-635-5165

 

COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HEALTH HOTLINE:

518-828-8249

 

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE:

1-888-364-3065

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 24/7 HOTLINE FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS:

 800-227-2345

FREE NYS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: 1-844-863-9314

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The Ulster County Chamber of Commerce created two Facebook groups to “promote [their] members and the means and methods they’ve used in this rapidly changing economy.” Visit Ulster Eateries United and Ulster Small Businesses United to learn more.