McGraw provides COVID-19 update in Sullivan

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — At a live town hall on Wednesday, April 1, Sullivan County Public Health Director Nancy McGraw answered questions about COVID-19 in the county.

The county has tested “well over” 600 patients and, so far, there are 141 positive cases confirmed. She said those numbers would be updated at least once a week as that information changes rapidly.

There have been four deaths as a result of COVID-19. Out of respect, no details about the individuals are being released, but McGraw said, “Although we’re unable to talk about currently any specifics of the individuals… the current situation in terms of what’s happening with the pandemic across the state, it rings true for Sullivan County: If you’re over the age of 60, and you have an underlying health condition, you are at higher risk.”

In terms of the deceased having underlying conditions, she said “most likely yes,” but she would not go into further detail.

Town locations of the positive cases are also not being released; McGraw said in response, “We have community-wide transmission.”

At Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), McGraw said there are currently 16 patients hospitalized. There are 19 existing ICU beds and they’re planning to add 20 more. She noted that, if needed, CRMC has the capacity to go up to 99 beds.

Ventilators have been donated by SUNY Sullivan’s respiratory program. CRMC went from 12 ventilators earlier this week to 21 currently on hand.

Another town hall is scheduled to live-stream at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 3 at www.facebook.com/sullivancountygov. See the latest updates and older town halls at www.sullivanny.us/departments/publichealth/coronavirus

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sullivan county, town hall, covid19, updates

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