Ulster County has implemented a rapid response plan in anticipation of a potential surge in cases

KINGSTON, N.Y. - Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced today that Ulster County has developed and implemented a COVID-19 Rapid Response plan in order to stay ahead of reports across the nation indicating an increase of COVID-19 cases. On Wednesday, County Executive Ryan spoke to all of the Town Supervisors and Mayors to discuss the County’s plan. 

The five-step plan works to identify, investigate, isolate, communicate, and enforce in anticipation of potential cases. The plan will focus on identifying cases through robust testing capacity, investigation through contact tracing, isolation through issuing quarantine, communication through keeping the public informed, and continued enforcement of the PAUSE order. 

“With cases surging across the country, it is important we are prepared in order to avoid a second wave here in Ulster County and ensure the health and safety of our residents,” said Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan. “We must all continue to follow critical safety precautions to combat COVID-19 including socially distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands. Each of us has a responsibility and a role to play in keeping our community safe.”

Earlier this week, County Executive Ryan in partnership with leadership from over a dozen agencies including the Health Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Management, convened Health Emergency Management Exercises at the Ulster County Emergency Operations Center. The exercises included a run-through of numerous potential public health scenarios in order to better prepare for a potential resurgence of COVID-19.

Since Ulster County’s first case of COVID-19 emerged in early March, Ulster County has taken a proactive response to control and counter the pandemic. On March 13, Ulster County was the first County to close schools ahead of the statewide decision to do so. Additionally, Ulster County is believed to be the first County to set up a fully staffed COVID-19 hotline when the first case appeared. To prepare for increased demand, the County also opened a “step-down” care center with 100 beds at the Kingston High School Kate Walton Field House staffed by Nuvance Health.

There are currently 119 active cases of COVID-19 and 86 fatalities in Ulster County.  

For additional information about COVID-19 visit: https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus

Ulster County COVID-19 Hotline: 845-443-8888

NYS Coronavirus Information Hotline: 888-364-3065

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