The Saratoga County Department of Public Health today announced that there are 246 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saratoga County and 14 of those individuals are hospitalized at this time.
How are we doing so far?
Our local hospitals are able to keep up with the number of patients who need an ICU bed or ventilator, and there is no staffing shortage at the current rate. This positive effect can only be achieved by everyone staying home and stopping the spread. If everyone fails to practice social distancing, the number of positive cases will rise and potentially compromise our healthcare system. It’s important to understand that we must remain steady on this course.
The importance of masks and how to make your own
Earlier this week, Governor Cuomo released a new Executive Order declaring that anyone who is out in public must wear a mask if social distancing is not possible.
The Department of Public Health is encouraging all individuals to wear a mask any time they are out in public. That being said, we are aware of mask shortages. The CDC has a helpful resource on its website outlining how to wear a mask and instructions on how to make a homemade mask. That link can be accessed here. Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. Be sure to wash your homemade mask often.
Facebook Live event yesterday
Officials from Saratoga County hosted a Facebook Live event yesterday to answer questions from residents related to COVID-19. The hour-long event featured staff from the Department of Public Health, the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Emergency Services. Highlights included an update on the number of recoveries and a discussion about homemade masks. The event can be viewed here.