Positive tests in county continue to rise
SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. » The number of positive tests for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) rose to 16 in Saratoga County, officials confirmed in a press release on Wednesday afternoon.
The update came after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo had said in a morning press briefing the number had risen to 14.
Wednesday’s total is up from the 10 positive tests (six in Clifton Park, two in Northumberland and one each in Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa) county officials confirmed a day ago. Officials could not confirm the municipalities of the six additional individuals, saying in some instances, the confirmed cases are family members living within the same residence.
In addition, officials said the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors authorized the allocation of $1 million to combat the spread of the virus.
“This allocation will be dedicated to staffing and supplies necessary to execute the county’s emergency operations plan and support the continuity of county operations,” the release said.
“It’s important that residents practice physical distancing of greater than six feet and take measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Individuals should avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people,” said Chairman of the Board and Town of Day Supervisor Preston Allen in a release.
The state topped 2,300 positive tests Wednesday — more than 1,000 were new — with 20 deaths and 550 having to be hospitalized. Cuomo added the first person to test positive for the coronavirus in the state — a 39-year-old woman from Manhattan, appears to be free of it after recovering at home.
Officials reiterated on the Saratoga County website that anyone with “a fever, with cough or experiencing shortness of breath they should contact their health care provider. If you believe you have been exposed or that you have symptoms of COVID-19, CALL YOUR DOCTOR FIRST. Please do not walk in to your doctor’s office or to the Emergency Room and risk exposing the staff and other patients.”
Wednesday’s developments came two days after a State of Emergency was declared in the
county. A State of Emergency was declared in the City of Saratoga Springs on Friday, March 13. Local schools canceled classes through April 19.
On Tuesday, March 17, officials spoke about the county’s preparedness for an event such as this and their plans to combat this pandemic, including drivethru testing. An operation was set up in Saratoga Spa State Park that focuses mainly on testing.
A new hotline number: (518) 885-2276 is available for public use.
Cuomo, who temporarily closed all gyms, casinos and theaters as well as limiting all restaurants and bars to takeout or delivery service only, earlier this week, announced on Wednesday that indoor portions of shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys in the state must close by 8 p.m. Thursday, March 19.
Officials are encouraging residents to enroll in the County’s CodeRED emergency notification system to receive updates from the county’s Emergency Management Team at https:// public.coderedweb.com/ CNE/en-US/BF26DE55718D
The Associated Press contributed to this report.