Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dutchess County Clerk’s Office Closed to the Public Effective Monday, March 30
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This is a rapidly evolving situation. Information can be found on this page for businesses and employees, updates from New York State, and guidance for specific groups such as those at higher risk, as well as information on how to protect yourself, cleaning & disinfection, what to do if you are sick, and healthcare guidance. Please check back frequently.
COVID-19, a respiratory disease with symptoms very similar to the flu or the common cold, was first identified in late-December 2019.
Important information is available for schools, businesses, and residents to protect against respiratory illnesses. A Spanish-language version is also available.
Dutchess County Coronavirus Information Hotline: 845-486-3555
New York State
Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline
1-888-364-3065
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A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH
Commissioner
Contact
Current Status & Latest News
Daily updates, including the current number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in New York State, are available on the State’s Coronavirus website. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for additional updates and guidance.
The Department of Behavioral & Community Health continues to monitor individuals who have a confirmed case of COVID-19. We are grateful for these individuals’ cooperation in our mitigation efforts.
News Releases and Videos
- Dutchess County Clerk’s Office Closed to the Public Effective Monday, March 30
- New York State closes schools until April 15 as coronavirus spread continues article from Poughkeepsie Journal
- Metro-North Railroad to Commence Essential Service Schedule on Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines on Friday, March 27
- Molinaro to Host Second Live Telephone Town Hall on Coronavirus April 2nd
- 03/26/2020 – ALERT & PROTOCOL – Commissioner’s Order for Isolation of Lab Confirmed COVID-19 (.pdf)
- Second Dutchess County COVID-19 Related Death
- Dutchess Community College Will Serve as Additional Care Capacity As Needed
- State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Extend SNAP, TA/MA/SNAP Benefits Recertification Deadlines (.pdf)
- County Establishes ‘Dutchess Responds’ to Provide Relief to Residents During Coronavirus Pandemic
Handouts
- New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline 1-844-863-9314 (.pdf)
- COVID-19 Poster (.pdf) – Download a flyer to post in public spaces
- Dutchess County COVID-19/Coronavirus Fact Sheet – What You Need to Know (.pdf)
- Dutchess County issued a Public Health Alert providing 2019-nCoV guidance to area healthcare providers in January (.pdf).
- 03/26/2020 – ALERT & PROTOCOL – Commissioner’s Order for Isolation of Lab Confirmed COVID-19 (.pdf)
- State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Extend SNAP, TA/MA/SNAP Benefits Recertification Deadlines (.pdf)
- No person who currently has Medicaid coverage will lose their coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact New York State of Health 1-855-355-5777 with any questions.
COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline (.pdf)
Symptoms & Testing
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/trouble breathing
- Pneumonia
CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with someone who has traveled to these areas or has a confirmed case of Coronavirus?
- Call ahead to your health care provider before seeking treatment in person!
- Additional steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community at the CDC.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
Several sites have opened in Dutchess County for those experiencing symptoms of coronavirus/COVID-19 to be screened.
Testing for Coronavirus in Dutchess County
Prevention
COVID-19 is believed to spread mainly from person to person who are in close contact with one another (less than 6 feet of distance) through respiratory droplets when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible for COVID-19 to be spread through touching infected objects or surfaces.
How do I protect myself and my family from COVID-19?
Help stop the spread of Coronavirus and protect yourself and others:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (not your hands), then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and take special care to help the elderly and people with underlying health conditions avoid exposure. Call instead of visiting those most at risk. Offer help delivering groceries and other necessities so they can stay at home.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick and even if you feel well, stay at home as much as possible.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning product that contains bleach.
- Practice social distancing. Keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others whenever possible. Avoid social gatherings and unnecessary appointments.
