Coronavirus: Rockland County's Latest Updates

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The new coronavirus outbreak continues to spread in Rockland County as critical shortages of medical supplies continue. Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Director of Purchasing Paul Brennan and Director of Fire and Emergency Services Chris Kear said steps are being taken to keep necessary supplies coming into the county.

At his Thursday press conference, Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed 8,505 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 222,284 confirmed cases in New York. Of those, 278 people in Rockland were newly diagnosed.

The total number of confirmed cases in Rockland as of Thursday was 8,752, and the death toll reached 250.

“Our Office of Fire and Emergency Services and Purchasing Division have been working tirelessly to get critical items where they are needed most,” Day said in a statement. “Thank you to the hardworking members of these departments for maintaining these supply lines and keeping this equipment flowing into Rockland County.”

The Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services has placed hundreds of requests to New York State on behalf of more than 94 different local agencies for necessary supplies including sanitizer, masks, gloves, face shields and gowns and hospital equipment including ventilators.

“We have been coordinating requests and distribution of supplies for nearly 100 agencies across Rockland County,” said Kear. “Equipment going to first responders, nonprofits, hospitals, those on the front lines who need it most. We are working to protect those who continue to put themselves in harm’s way as they respond to this pandemic.”

Additionally, many local residents and businesses have stepped up to help, donating protective personal equipment which is later distributed to those who need it most.

To date, most of the supplies received from New York State have been distributed to Nyack Montefiore and Good Samaritan Hospitals, emergency service organizations, nursing homes and community-based organizations.

RCOFES and the Purchasing Division have been working as a team to obtain or procure necessary protective equipment and other supplies needed for the COVID-19 response. Conference calls are held daily regarding supply needs. Several local vendors have been instrumental in obtaining PPE at reasonable pricing.

“We continue to purchase PPE supplies to meet our own needs,” said Brennan. “This has been a 7 day a week effort as the critical shortages of medical supplies has been challenging. In addition to the limited supply of PPE equipment, price gouging and counterfeit medical supplies are also an issue.”

The Purchasing Division shares information daily with both Nyack and Good Samaritan Hospitals regarding vendors that may be able to supply PPE.

Mark Geller, MD, President and CEO of Montefiore Nyack Hospital said, “We are truly grateful for the support we have received from the County of Rockland. Under the direction of County Executive Ed Day, the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services has been coordinating deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other supplies necessary to assist with the COVID crisis. Yesterday alone we received eight ventilators and two pallets of PPE including isolation gowns, coveralls, N95 masks and gloves.”

Mary P. Leahy, MD, CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System and Good Samaritan Hospital, members of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, said, "We are grateful to our local Town of Ramapo, Rockland County, State of New York and federal authorities for identifying legitimate sources for supplies. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo and in collaboration with County Executive Ed Day and the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services, Good Samaritan Hospital has supplemented key supplies and medical equipment to care for our patients. Our thanks to each of them for supporting the heroic workforce members of Good Samaritan Hospital.”

The organizations will continue to work closely together to ensure those on the frontlines are protected from COVID-19. Thank you to all of those who have stepped up in support during this time of crisis, Day said.

SEE ALSO:

• Rite Aid To Begin Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing In Rockland
• Coronavirus: Hospital Starts Plasma Therapy In Rockland

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