Statement from Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro following the positive test for Coronavirus/COVID-19 in Ulster County
“While there are still no confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 in Dutchess County, our Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) has been informed a limited number of Dutchess County residents may have had contact on with an Ulster County individual who tested positive for COVID-19. All Dutchess residents who may have had contact with the individual have been contacted and are being monitored by DBCH. This is in addition to several residents who were already under precautionary quarantine relating to travel status. None of the residents being monitored have exhibited any symptoms and we are grateful for their cooperation.
The confirmed Ulster County resident is currently under mandatory quarantine and is already recovering, with his symptoms subsiding. DBCH staff, along with members of the Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County, has connected with every individual that had direct or possible contact with Ulster resident and all are following the recommended protocols relating to mandatory or precautionary quarantine.
Though there continue to be no cases of COVID-19 in our county, we have been preparing for this emerging health situation for weeks and recognize there will inevitably be positive cases here. We have been talking to the community about the proactive steps each person can to engage the community and urge them to take precautions, as they would during any active flu season, to prevent the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. We will continue to remind people of the basic, common-sense steps to take to stay healthy, including hand-washing and social distancing. It is important people think about basic preparedness, should they or a member of their family become ill with flu, COVID-19 or other viruses that may keep them home for several days.
Dutchess County has established a website, www.dutchessny.gov/
