POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health has confirmed the death of a fourth county resident relating to COVID-19.
The health department confirmed a 52-year-old man died Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. The person was admitted to the hospital the previous week with shortness of breath. He was tested for COVID-19 which was confirmed positive. The individual had not been known to DBCH until his hospitalization. Further specific information cannot be provided for privacy reasons.
“To the family and friends, we are heartbroken for your loss. To the rest of the residents of Dutchess County, please take this to heart. Stay home. We all have a responsibility to stay healthy in order to protect the most vulnerable among us,” County Executive Marc Molinaro. “As the death toll rises, remember that our smallest actions can be lifesaving, or life-threatening. The death of a fourth neighbor here in Dutchess serves as a harsh reminder that there is nowhere in our County untouched by coronavirus.”
The county executive continues to ask residents to stay at home to limit community transmission of the virus. When it is absolutely necessary to go out, do so with caution and follow proper social distancing protocol from others by at least six feet and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Behavioral and Community Health Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian praised the “incredible team of public health professionals who are working around the clock. We’re coordinating with hospitals, doctor’s offices, testing facilities, schools, local officials to coordinate our efforts. Our department is using every resource available but we need residents to do their part to assist us in our efforts. To help us protect the safety of every resident, please stay home. “
There are now more than 390 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the county, over 2,300 tests have been administered, and four deaths related to the virus, while many others are beginning to be considered as recovered. All of these number are expected to continue to increase which is why remaining at home is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and flattening the curve so as not to overwhelm the local healthcare system and ensure everyone can get the care they need, Molinaro said.
Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information and guidance on its website, www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its COVID-19 Impact Dashboard, www.dutchessny.gov/COVIDDashboard, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.
