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Five coronavirus deaths reported in county, as resources are spread thin

Isabel Braverman - Staff Writer
Posted 4/2/20

SULLIVAN COUNTY -- According to Public Health Director Nancy McGraw there are 156 cases of coronavirus as of yesterday. There have been five deaths, and although the county isn't releasing any …

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Five coronavirus deaths reported in county, as resources are spread thin

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SULLIVAN COUNTY -- According to Public Health Director Nancy McGraw there are 156 cases of coronavirus as of yesterday. There have been five deaths, and although the county isn't releasing any information, McGraw said it is likely they had underlying health conditions.

“We want to stress that although we're unable to talk about any specifics of the individuals out of respect and privacy for their families that the current situation in terms of what's happening with the pandemic across the state rings true for Sullivan County—if you're over the age of 60 and have an underlying health condition you are at higher risk and we ask that you stay home and limit your contact with other people,” McGraw stated on Wednesday during a county livestream video.

McGraw said the county has gone from one case of coronavirus on March 16, to 141 cases on April 1, which is “really concerning.”

As of yesterday, 48 people were off isolation, and McGraw said that over 600 people have been tested.

Much like the rest of the country, testing for coronavirus is limited.

Other counties in New York State, such as Orange County, have set up drive-thru testing sites. Sullivan County does not have one yet, and McGraw said the state decides on that matter.

Sullivan County residents can go to testing sites in Ellenville or Harriman. As always, if you think you are sick, call your primary care physician or the Public Health Department (845-292-5910) first.

On Wednesday, McGraw reported there were 16 people hospitalized with COVID-19 at Catskill Regional Medical Center. The hospital, the only one in the county, now has 21 ventilators, after six were donated by SUNY Sullivan earlier this week.

Hospitals across the state are scrambling to increase capacity, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a statewide public-private hospital plan to share information, suppliers, staff and patients among hospitals.

“As we continue to battle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have two missions -- preparing our hospital system so it is not overwhelmed when the apex of the curve hits and ensuring people stay home so they don't get the virus in the first place," Governor Cuomo said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Mobilemedic CEO and EMT Albee Bockman said EMT's are facing shortages of PPE (personal protective equipment) in the county.

He said as the county receives masks, they have to distribute them equally to healthcare facilities, nursing homes, the Center for Discovery and many other places.

“Unfortunately there are not enough [masks] to protect your first responders,” Bockman stated.

He also urged people to only call 911 if it is an emergency. He said they are receiving a lot of calls from people who are generally ill, and then first responders have to wear masks to respond to those calls, diminishing an already limited supply.

Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff announced that he is using his emergency powers as sheriff to deputize all municipal police officers.

He said they have already prepared agreements with several towns and villages and officers will be deputized immediately, with the initial term expiring June 30, and extended to December 31 if necessary.

“This will enable a continued response of police resources anywhere in the county should this pandemic strike our law enforcement community,” Schiff said.

The county will hold livestream updates three times a week. Visit their Facebook page “Sullivan County, NY Government” for more information.

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