Public Health & Nursing

Coronavirus Vaccine Information

In the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution plan, Albany Med
 has been designated at the Capital Region Hub of the Regional Vaccine Network for the capital region, which includes Washington County. Albany Med has developed an informational site which has information related to the following topics:

- Vaccine Info, including Vaccine Q&A

- Who's eligible and when?

- Volunteering to Support Vaccine Distribution

You can find their site here:https://www.amc.edu/CapitalRegionVax/ 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Medical professionals will be needed over the next months to staff our PODs (vaccination clinics). This is an excellent opportunity to be part of an historic effort to vaccinate one million Capital Region residents. https://www.amc.edu/CapitalRegionVax/

Questions? Email CapitalRegionVax@amc.edu

COVID-19 Incubation Timeline

The timeline below is from Michigan's District Health Department #10.

It shows the importance of staying home, even if you've been tested after an exposure.

Have COVID Questions?

Individuals who have questions about COVID or about eligibility/access for testing should call the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit the NYSDOH website: https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov

Looking for a Testing Site?

You can search for testing sites new your by Zipcode at the NYSDOH website: Find a Testing Site Near You

Boiling Water and Emergency Disinfection

Information for Consumers

Boiling water is a very effective way to disinfect unsafe water and make it ready to drink, and the public may be directed to boil their water if a condition occurs that could contaminate drinking water with microbiological organisms. Boiling water sounds simple enough, but protecting yourself and your family can be more complicated than it first appears.

Basic Information for All Consumers

FAQ for Residents and Homeowners

Checklist for Residents and Homeowners (PDF, 155KB, 2pg)

Disinfecting Water at Home

COVID-19 Coronavirus Information

COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

Visit Washington County Department of Public Safety-Coronavirus-Information for the most up to date information in Washington County.

This is a rapidly changing situation. You can check the New York State Novel Coronavirus page and the CDC Novel Coronavirus Page for State and National updates.

If you have questions about the Coronavirus, you can call the New York State Department of Health Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

COVID-19 TESTING ADVISEMENT
The availability of COVID-19 testing in our area is extremely limited at this time, the numbers reflected in our statistics (on our Coronavirus Information page) are low due to a very small amount of tests being administered due to the lack of test kits and testing capabilities in our area. Please know that COVID-19 is in our area, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to follow the guidance, exercise social distancing, wash your hands and STAY HOME.

Reopening NY

In accordance with Governor Cuomo's announcement and the NY Forward Reopening Plan for Gyms / Fitness Centers, Washington County's Public Health and Public Safety departments will be coordinating with our local fitness centers as they prepare to open for business.

Washington County has developed a comprehensive process for our local Gyms / Fitness Centers to move forward, continuing to focus on the safety and health of our communities - the process is detailed (with documents available) on our Coronavirus Information site here at washingtoncountyny.gov/coronavirus under Gym / Fitness Center Reopening Information.

Find guidance for reopening for other Phases and Businesses here:

https://forward.ny.gov/

2-1-1

2-1-1 is the one number to call to find or give help in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington counties.

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number to call for free and confidential community referral that connects callers with resources providing food, shelter, rent assistance, clothing, child care options and other types of community assistance. Trained referral specialists are multi-lingual and available to help individuals find the help they need.

Whatever the need, the 2-1-1 Call Center has the information and expertise to make the right connections.

Addiction and Support

Addiction doesn’t take time off, and neither does the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to alcohol, substances, or gambling, treatment is available all across New York State.

Smoking/vaping or the use of opioids or methamphetamines have an affect on your lungs. Continued use can make some NYers more vulnerable if exposed to COVID-19.

Call New York State’s Hopeline at 1-877-846-7369. Text: 467369.

The Hopeline is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

All calls are toll-free, anonymous and confidential.

Hopeline staff can answer your questions and help you find treatment in your area. Information and resources are also available on their website: OASAS.ny.gov

Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative

The Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free support services to caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and Washington Counties is continuing to support and provide services to caregivers through alternative methods. Teleconferences, video chats, and telephone support are being offered for support groups, care consultations, and educational workshops.

Caregivers who are looking for support are encouraged to contact their Care Navigator for more information. Click here to visit the initiative’s website for a contact list.

All-Hazards Volunteer Program

Washington County has joined forces with New York State Department of Health, creating a Public Health All-Hazards Volunteer Program.
This program will train volunteers to assist Public Health efforts in response, mitigation, and recovery for disasters which may pose a threat to human health.
To register for the Public Health All-Hazard Volunteer Program, go to https://apps.health.ny.gov/pub/servny/