Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman was full of facts and figures when she spoke at a televised meeting in Highland Falls on Tuesday evening. But her absolute main point to anyone listening? Please try to limit gatherings in this holiday season so that local hospitals aren’t overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases.
Gelman, County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Sheboy joined Mayor Joe D’On-ofrio for the 45-minute session. Neuhaus gave a presentation similar to his nightly Facebook Live sessions, with that day’s COVID numbers (110 people were in the hospital Tuesday with 46 percent of ICU beds available, and his office is tracking over 1800 active cases right now), but he also told those listening that “while we are heading into rough seas right now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel”.
“Do your part,” he said, “wear a mask. The numbers are going up astronomically.”
Neuhaus spoke directly to business owners as well, saying he continues to lobby state officials to leave businesses open, since they know that the majority of spread is coming from small in-home gatherings at this point.
D’Onofrio and Sheboy spoke about issues specific to the Town of Highlands, and also both urged mask wearing, social distancing and good hand hygiene.
“The only way we are going to get out of this is if we all work together,” Sheboy said.
Gelman and Neuhaus noted that Orange County has just over 380,000 residents, 18,500 have become infected with the virus, and 547 people have died to this point.
D’Onofrio thanked all three for taking time to come to Highland Falls that evening.
