POUGHKEEPSIE – The coronavirus is very personal for Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro. His father, Anthony, is in Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla on a ventilator “fighting for his life.”
The county executive revealed that personal information during a Facebook town hall session on Wednesday.
Molinaro provided updates as to what the county is doing in an attempt to keep COVID-19 at bay.
He said the county health department has issued a directive that employees of businesses deemed essential and may stay open should now wear a face covering.
Should the county’s hospitals need bed space for COVID-19 patients, colleges have stepped to the plate, said Molinaro.
“Dutchess Community College, with Dutchess County, as soon as Monday of this coming week, with beds for those who are dealing with COVID-19. So, patients, we would want to move out of the hospital service, but need some help. Vassar College has agreed to be a second wave if we need it, more beds for patients. Marist College has stepped up to make a new dorm available for healthcare professionals,” he said.
Molinaro said county parks, including both rail trails, are open, except Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, which was closed for the winter season and was not reopened. The playgrounds at Bowdoin and Wilcox are closed.
