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WGXC Weekend Coronavirus Report: 20200411

Apr 10, 2020 11:34 pm
Coronavirus deaths passed 100,000 worldwide on April 10 according to Johns Hopkins, and it is now more likely someone you know might have passed away. Another resident at the Pine Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Philmont passed away April 10. “Overall, six Columbia County residents have succumbed to Covid-19. There are currently 83 positive test results out of 581 tested in the county,” Jack Mabb, the Columbia County Director of Public Health said in a press release April 10. And also on April 10, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced the passing of his father, two days after he made an emotional announcement about his dad fighting the virus during an online town hall meeting. "Anthony Molinaro quietly left us this afternoon. I already miss my father but confidently know of his love for my sisters, their mom, my brother and me. And, we are grateful for the moments and memories we shared," Molinaro wrote on Twitter. In all New York State reported 7,844 deaths as of April 10, 777 in the previous 24 hours. At his daily press conference, Gov. Andrew Cuomo compared that figure to the around 3,000 deaths after the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Click here to download or play an excerpt of Cuomo's press conference. Delaware County announced their third death April 10. In Rensselaer County there have been five deaths. Albany County says they have 12 residents who have passed away due to COVID-19. Ulster County has nine deaths, Dutchess County has 11. Greene County does not have any deaths, yet. Berkshire County in Massachusetts has close to as many confirmed cases of coronavirus as Albany County, and one Williamstown nursing home alone has 12 deaths. Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson led an online town hall meeting about coronavirus on April 10 with many Columbia County officials. Hudson Common Council President Tom DePietro addressed the tourism board and if its funds could be used to help local businesses. Click here to play DePietro excerpt. Columbia County Sheriff David Bartlett reported crime is down during the pandemic and officers are working on many other issues. Click here to hear an excerpt from Bartlett. Johnson and DePietro addressed property taxes, which are due this week. Click here to hear an excerpt from Johnson and DePietro addressing the property tax issue. Bartlett also addressed what his officers are doing when they come in contact with people who have COVID-19. Click here to hear a second excerpt from Bartlett. In a press release April 10 Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Matt Murell urged residents to stay home this weekend. “With the religious holiday weekend upon us, it remains just as important as ever that county residents continue to practice safe social distancing precautions. All of us have put in a lot of effort to date to help stop the spread of the coronavirus by keeping our distance, as difficult as that may be at times. Now, while we may be tempted to hold large family gatherings and observe religious services in groups this weekend, we have not yet reached the point where this can be done safely," he wrote. In other news, nurses at Albany Medical Center will hold a speak-out event April 11 in front of the hospital to demand greater access to personal protective equipment. Columbia County is accepting PPE donations such as N95 masks, face shields, and gowns. To make a donation contact the Emergency Management Office at 518-828-1212. If there is no answer, leave a message and someone will return the call.