County Executive Ryan made the announcement 72 hours after his call for additional assistance in bed and ventilator capacity
County Executive Ryan announces 17 new ventilators in Ulster County and 55 beds already online at the Kate Walton Fieldhouse at Kingston High School
County Executive Ryan announces new “New York State on Pause” enforcement form to help ensure County residents and businesses are abiding by social distancing guidance
KINGSTON, N.Y. - County Executive Pat Ryan today announced that Ulster County has put online an additional 17 ventilators, doubled the current capacity. In addition, the County has already completed the construction of 55 new bed spaces at the Kate Walton Fieldhouse. County Executive Ryan also announced information pertaining to the enforcement of New York State on Pause and where residents can find additional information on enforcement. The announcements came as he held his tenth Facebook Live Town Hall alongside New York State Senator Jen Meztger (SD-42). With nearly 5,000 viewers and almost 300 submitted questions, Executive Ryan and Senator Metzger discussed questions ranging from daycare to the recent funding of the Vet2Vet program in Ulster County.
The news of additional ventilators comes after County Executive Ryan on Monday warned that Ulster County was on pace to exhaust all available beds and ventilators by week's end. On Tuesday, County Executive Ryan outlined his plan to add beds at the Kate Walton Fieldhouse on the Kingston High School campus along with starting work at TechCity to further capacity. County Executive Ryan announced that 55 beds have already been constructed.
“On Monday, I announced that we were on pace to run out of critical equipment needed to protect the health and safety of our residents,” County Executive Pat Ryan said. “In just 72 hours, we have added bed capacity and doubled the number of ventilators at the time we know we will need it the most. The resilience and dedication of our team are unparalleled. With lives on the line, we will continue to work around the clock to address our residents’ needs. I want to thank Senator Jen Metzger for joining me at our Town Hall and for her continued leadership and advocacy for our shared constituents.”
“County Executive Pat Ryan has demonstrated incredible leadership in Ulster County during what is a stressful time for so many, and has been a valuable partner every step of the way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and address its impacts on our communities,” State Senator Jen Metzger said. “I was glad to have the opportunity to join him in this virtual Town Hall meeting, answer viewers' questions, and provide updates on my work at the state level and in the district during this challenging time."
During the Town Hall, County Executive Ryan announced in partnership with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office and the County Police Chiefs Association Ulster County’s "New York State on Pause" complaint form which is referred directly to the New York State PAUSE Enforcement Assistance Task Force. This concerted effort will ensure county residents and businesses are following appropriate protocols to help save lives. The form is now available on the County’s COVID-19 website found here. Residents can complete the form to file complaints of non-compliance of the state’s mandated social distancing guidance. They can also file irresponsible business complaints there. Individuals can file complaints regarding the operation of non-essential businesses or gatherings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through an online form or by calling 1-833-789-0470.
There are currently 504 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ulster County and eight fatalities.
To watch the Facebook Live Town Hall, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/108553972524812/videos/3234598899918357/
For additional information about COVID-19 and the mobile testing process, please visit: https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus
Ulster County COVID-19 Hotline: 845-443-8888
NYS Coronavirus Information Hotline: 888-364-3065
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Attached: New York State Senator Jen Metzger and County Executive Pat Ryan
