The Hudson Arts Emergency Program - a WPA-style project that will support artists during this critical time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVD-19 Resources and Information from www.cityofhudson.org

For more news, visit: Columbia County Department of Health

CITY SERVICES

Use city services by phone, email, or website. To reduce exposure to yourself, city employees, and other members of the public, avoid in-person visits to city buildings. If you are unable to complete your city-service task via email, phone, or website, please call to make an appointment. City Hall closes at 12 noon. See city departments.

YOUTH CENTER

Youth Center is closed to the public. The Youth Department is collaborating with Hudson City School District, Friends of Hudson Youth, and other partners to develop a citywide food distribution initiative to ensure food security in our community while the Youth Center and schools are closed. Donate to this initiative. In order to minimize contact, over 50% of Youth Center staff remain at home in a "state of readiness." 

SENIOR CENTER

The Senior Center is closed to the public. The Senior Center is providing remote support to seniors as well as virtual programming. Meals on Wheels will continue to operate and the Senior Center is helping support the program as well as sign up new seniors. The program has added frozen food and shelf items so seniors can have food plenty of food without depending on frequent deliveries. Senior Center is also distributing basic supplies to seniors who need them. Learn more about services for seniors.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Officers will determine which calls require their physical presence and which calls can be handled over the phone. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, and never in the event of an emergency. Officers will always respond to an emergency, and there will be no lapse in police coverage within our city.

Officers may wear personal protective equipment, and they may ask you to be interviewed outside your home or business. They may speak to you while standing 6 feet away. At the station, you may be asked to communicate with our officers through the lobby telephone.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Fire Department instituting social distancing and reducing the use of the firehouse whenever possible. They are performing remote/virtual drills. They have adapted protocols, decontamination standards, gear, and cleaning schedule to reduce risk.  

PUBLIC WORKS

The Department of Public Works has reduced capacity and the department is working in a split shift where 50% of staff remains at home in a "state of readiness." The Department has been increased facility cleaning, supported Columbia Memorial Hospital readiness, and is supporting other departments. Meanwhile, there are several long-term projects that are being advanced as time-permits.  

CITY CLERK

The Clerk's Office has reduced capacity and the department is working in a split shift where 50% of staff remains at home in a "state of readiness." Nonessential services are not available at this time. 

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Code Enforcement staff are working remotely as much as possible. Code Enforcement is limiting inspections of active residential properties. They remain available for emergencies and essential projects.  

PARKS

Pathways, walkways and trails may be used in public parks but otherwise the use of public parks is prohibited, including playground areas, basketball courts, and picnic table and BBQ pit areas.

The public use of the City’s Dog Park located on Front Street may continue  under the following conditions: 

  1. No more than 6 people shall use the park at one time

  2. Park users shall keep at least 6 feet distance between themselves and other people who are not otherwise quarantined together. 

TREASURER

Treasurer staff are working remotely as much as possible. 

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Council meetings will remain accessible via live stream. The public cannot attend in-person.

ADDITIONAL CLOSINGS

NY State on Pause

Several organizations have issued closings, including

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Many people will experience financial hardship during this period.

FOOD RESOURCES

Catholic Charities Columbia Greene
Monday, 9-12noon; Wednesday, 12noon - 5p.
At present, client choice for food.
One time emergency assistance preferably arranged over the phone.
431 East Allen Street, Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-8660
https://www.catholiccharitiescg.org
https://www.facebook.com/greenecatholiccharities/

Christ Episcopal Church
Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 12:00pm
431 Union Street, Hudson NY 12534

Columbia Opportunities
Food Pantry and emergency assistance. Please call ahead for an appointment. 
(518) 828-4611
540 Columbia Street, Hudson, NY, 12534
https://www.columbiaopportunities.org
https://www.facebook.com/columbiaopportunities/

Hudson City School District
Breakfast and lunch available to all children age 18 and under, free of charge
View website for updates

Hudson Senior Center
If you need support signing up for grocery delivery services, finding reliable information about the coronavirus, need food or prepared meals, or need information about any support services offered please call the Senior Center at (518) 828-3200

Hudson Youth Department
Delivering food packages to locations in Hudson
Learn MoreDonate

Rock Solid Church Pantry
2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 10-12 noon, adding 1st and 3rd Thursday from 4-5pm
Pre-packed bags of groceries only going forward
518-828-2444
334 Union St., Hudson, NY 12534 
https://regionalfoodbank.net/agencies/rock-solid-church-food-pantry/

Salvation Army Food Pantry
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8am-10am. Pre-packed groceries
Free take-out lunches Monday - Friday, 11:30-12:30 
518-822-1602
40 S. Third St., Hudson, NY 12534
Food Pantry
Locations

St. Mark’s Lutheran Food Pantry 
Mon and Thurs, 9-12 noon
Pre-packed bags of groceries going forward
518-822-1688
200 Fairview Ave., Hudson, NY 12534 
https://regionalfoodbank.net/agencies/st-marks-lutheran-food-pantry-2/

Time & Space Limited
5:30 PM comfort food suppers for pick-up or delivery
$5, or pay what you can
Order ahead of time: 518-822-8100 or jeff@timeandspace.org

Zion Community Food Pantry
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 5:30pm - 6:30pm, and 1st and 4th Friday of the month from noon to 1pm
They offer grocery bag delivery to Providence Hall on 3rd Tuesday; available to 70+, and handicapped. Please sign up on the sheet in Providence Hall
518-610-1980
Bliss Towers
41 N. Second St., Hudson, NY 12534 
https://regionalfoodbank.net/agencies/zion-community-food-pantry/

SNAP

You can apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program online. 

HEALTH INSURANCE

New York State Health and New York State Department of Financial Services announces a special enrollment period for Uninsured New Yorkers, in light of COVID-19 virus. Individuals who enroll in Qualified Health Plans through the NY State of Health or directly through insurers between March 16 and April 15, 2020 will have coverage effective starting April 1, 2020. Individuals who are eligible for other NY State of Health programs-Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus-can enroll year-round. As always, consumers can apply for coverage through the NY State of Health online at nystatehealth.ny.gov, by phone at 855-355-5777.

The Navigator Program of the Healthcare Consortium can assist individuals with enrolling in health insurance—including the public health insurance options, Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, and the commercial, self-pay products, collectively called “Qualified Health Plans”—on the NY State of Health. 

Consumers should call 518-822-8820—the Healthcare Consortium’s main phone number—which is currently redirected to the cell phone of Lisa Thomas, Director of our Consumer Assistance Programs.

UNEMPLOYMENT

Go to the NY Department of Labor to get the information you need on unemployment benefits, including applying. New York State has waived the 7-day waiting period for those affected by COVID-19 and there are special provisions for teachers and school workers. For other employment services, you can also call Columbia County DSS at (518) 828-941 for more information.

Shared Work Program: New York also offers a shared work program that allows employers to reduce hours of employees and allows the employees to supplement pay with unemployment benefits. The Shared Work program helps businesses manage business cycles and seasonal adjustments. Shared Work lets companies keep trained staff and avoid layoffs. Employees can receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits while working reduced hours. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees are eligible.

SOCIAL SERVICE BENEFITS

Call Columbia County DSS at (518)828-941 for information or go to mybenefits.ny.gov to apply for benefits.

PAID SICK LEAVE

Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires family and medical leave as well as emergency paid leave for certain employers. Fact Sheet for Employees, Fact Sheet for Employers, and Questions and Answers.

CARES ACT REBATE/STIMULUS CHECKS

The tax rebates included in the CARES Act will provide most Americans with a rebate, or stimulus check, to help with expenses during COVID-19. The IRS will automatically disburse payments to anyone who filed in tax years 2018 or 2019. If you are receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), VA benefits or disability and do not normally file taxes, you may be required to file a simplified tax return to access these payments. You will not owe tax when you fill out this form.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTIONS AND SERVICES

DELAYED PAYMENTS

PARKING

Alternate side parking and use of parking meters are suspended. Late fees are waived on all tickets given after February 1, 2020. Pay for parking is still required at the South Front street lot (Amtrak). 

FEDERAL STIMULUS AND AID

  • Paycheck Protection Program | Apply Locally with Key Bank, The Bank of Greene County, and TD Bank

    The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). PPP provides small business, solo proprietorships and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(19) veteran organizations with low-interest, SBA loans generally for two and a half months of payroll costs. The SBA loans may be forgiven entirely if the borrower limits salary reductions to no more than 25% and maintains staffing levels for eight weeks after receiving the loans.

    Other permissible uses for the loans include: (1) Interest on mortgage obligations; (2) rent; (3) utilities and (4) interest on other debt incurred before February 15, 2020. The loans may not be used to prepay mortgage interest or for the payment of the principal on a mortgage.

    The interest rate may not exceed 4% for PPP loans. The maximum loan term is 10 years. There is no loan fee or prepayment fee and the usual SBA loan collateral and guarantee requirements are waived. The SBA will work to issue a determination on each application within 2 or 3 weeks after receiving application and to make an initial disbursement within 5 days of receiving loan closing documents. SBA approved banks have started to circulate copies of the PPP application. The SBA will begin accepting the applications on April 3. The program ends June 30, 2020, so it is important to apply right away. Applications can be submitted through banks that work with SBA to provide small business loans. Local participating banks are Key Bank and TD Bank.

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL Loans) are intended to pay for expenses that could have been met if the disaster did not occur, including payroll and other operating expenses. Eligible entities include small businesses which the SBA defines as businesses with less than 500 employees, solo proprietorships and “private nonprofit organizations”. According to the terms of the application, an applicant is a “private non-profit organization if it is a non-governmental agency or entity that currently has an effective ruling letter from the IRS granting tax exemption under sections 501(c),(d), or (e) of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1954, or satisfactory evidence from the State that the non-revenue producing organization or entity is a non-profit one organized or doing business under State law, or a faith-based organization.” Labor organizations are typically classified as 501(C)(5) under the IRC.

    The maximum loan amount is $2 million. The loans are for up to 30 years and the interest rate for nonprofit organizations is 2.75%. EIDLs are not eligible for loan forgiveness and must be repaid according to the terms of the loans. Applications are available at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. The SBA will be issuing additional guidance for this program.

    Apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan

  • US Congress COVID19 Relief Package Information and FAQs

  • Senator Gillibrand Guide to COVID-19 Disaster Funding

  • Senator Gillibrand CARES Section by Section Summary

  • Senator Schumer Small Business Explainer on the CARES Act

  • Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act

  • Summary of the CARES Act - Section by Section

  • The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act 

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration is relaxing criteria on Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million for impacted small businesses. Coordinate with your governor's office.

  • Congressman Delgado Resources for Small Businesses

  • Main Street Lending Program

REFUNDABLE PAYROLL TAX CREDIT

Businesses can claim a 50% refundable tax credit on up to $10,000 in wages paid during the coronavirus crisis. That means a company can get $5,000 per employee if its business was disrupted due to the coronavirus—as long as they saw a decrease in gross receipts by 50% or more from the same time last year.

This credit is also available for companies that employ more than 100 and kept those employees on their rosters even if they’re not currently working—perhaps through a furlough, for instance. Important note: companies that use the Payroll Protection Program can not access this credit.

SBA - BUSINESS LOANS

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced emergency loans of up to $2 million in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Columbia County Businesses are eligible for Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans. 

NONPROFITS

Additional Business Services 

  • Columbia Economic Development Corporation

  • Columbia County Chamber of Commerce: 518-828-4417 or mail@columbiachamber-ny.com

  • Columbia County Business Continuity Grant - cash grants to small businesses, Applications must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

  • Businesss Interuption Insurance - don’t forget to check your insurance policy. Many businesses have business interruption insurance. Contact your insurance agent to understand your policy coverage.

SHARED WORK PROGRAM

New York’s Shared Work Program: New York also offers a shared work program that allows employers to reduce hours of employees and allows the employees to supplement pay with unemployment benefits. The Shared Work program helps businesses manage business cycles and seasonal adjustments. Shared Work lets companies keep trained staff and avoid layoffs. Employees can receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits while working reduced hours. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees are eligible. The link to New York’s Share Work Program site is here: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/employerinfo/shared-work-program.shtm.

DOCUMENT BUSINESS LOSS

In the event that federal programs are opened to assist small businesses with losses, documentation will be important. The sooner businesses start documentation of losses, the more accurate their records will be if assistance if becomes available. We want to make sure our City of Hudson businesses are able to qualify for any assistance that becomes available. It is recommended that businesses prepare the following: 

  • Document lost revenues and wages. 

  • Document mandatory closures with date/ time stamped letters. 

  • While it’s still fresh, write a narrative/timeline of the events/timing specific to your business. 

  • Take photos/have losses verified by a 3rd party insurance/ bank etc. on a loss report.

  • Have copies of your bills, document overhead expenses paid

  • These programs are developing without precedence. Keep details straight as things change. 

This type of funding requires strong evidence of loss in order to ensure federal dollars are not wasted, protect against fraud, and prevent duplicating benefits. For example, if you apply to multiple grants you must apply for separate losses such that your entire loss is covered but not duplicated. Duplication will lead to recapture. To avoid this, only accept funds from one source or be up front if you have applied for multiple sources.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

ADDICTION SERVICES

We have seen a spike in the number of overdoses in Columbia County. Help is available by calling Greener Pathways at 518-822-7437 or Columbia County Pathways To Recovery at 877-467-3365.

If you or a loved one is in active addiction, you are encouraged to take the following precautions:

  • If you must use, use safely or seek help for your addiction

  • Have access to Narcan (If you need a supply of Narcan please call Greener Pathways to arrange 518-822-7437)

  • Let a friend or loved one know where you are

If someone you know experiences an overdose call 911 immediately. You can be protected by the Good Samaritan Law. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to the normal operating procedures of health and human services agencies. Minutes matter in an overdose and you can save a life.

REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE

Reduce the frequency of going to stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Trips to the grocery store may be necessary, but try to limit them and go at times when they are less busy. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after your trip. And leave the medical masks and gloves for the medical professionals—we need them to care for those who are sick. Maintain distance from others while shopping—and remember that hoarding supplies negatively impacts others so buy what you need and leave some for everyone else. Take-out meals and food are riskier than making food at home given the links between the people who prepare food, transport the food, and you. It is hard to know how much that risk is, but it is certainly higher than making it at home. But you can and should continue to support your local small businesses (especially restaurants and other retailers) during this difficult time by buying gift certificates online that you can use later.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

BEST HEALTH PRACTICES

As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventative measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

  • Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with the crease of your elbow.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  • Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed by your physician.

EMERGENCY ORDER

View Emergency Orders (March 25, March 20, March 18, and March 16) 

3/12/2020 STATEMENT

"As of this statement (3/12/20), there are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 In Columbia County. I have heard the rumors and assure our citizens that they are just that rumors. I ask you to trust in our Department of Health and Columbia Memorial Health during these nervous times. As a city we are working diligently to keep everyone updated with information." - Mayor Kamal Johnson

SENIOR CENTER

Our Senior Center has increased cleaning. The Senior Center is following all CDC guidelines and working with the Columbia County Office for Aging to protect one of our most vulnerable populations.

POLICE AND FIRE

Hudson Police Department (HPD) has been in contact with the Columbia County Sheriff and the NY State Police and have been assured that there will be no lapse in police coverage for our city. All agencies have agreed to work cooperatively and share what necessary resources. HPD officers are taking precautions to minimize their exposure to COVID-19. The County Public Health Department is working with the Columbia County Fire Fighter Coordinator and is providing guidance to all Fire Departments throughout the county.

YOUTH

The Youth Department is taking multiple proactive measures to remain vigilant in response to public health concerns, and we are keeping in direct contact with the Columbia County Department of Health, the Hudson City School District, and the Mayor’s office to ensure that information is being shared efficiently and that all local organizations are working in-step. The Youth Center has significantly increased our daily cleaning protocols to target the most common forms of viral transmission throughout our facility. We are temporarily reducing the circulation of toys, books and other hard to clean items and sanitizing all remaining items with a CDC approved sanitizer. Bathrooms, doorknobs, tables, chairs and all surfaces in regular use are being sanitized twice daily in addition to our regular cleaning regiment. Youth are washing hands immediately upon checking in to the Youth Center and again before meals and leaving the facility. The Youth Department will mirror the School District closure policy.

CITY HALL

At City Hall we urge all citizens who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to please contact a medical professional or the County Public Health Department 518-828-3358. If you are not feeling well and have any business related to City Hall please call the office. All city meetings are live streamed

Mar 6, 2020 STATEMENT

“As more cases of Covid-19, the Coronavirus are identified in the United States I urge residents of Hudson to remain calm. I have been in touch with Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) who have longstanding emergency protocols for public health emergencies. CMH is directing anyone who is experiencing any symptoms related to Covid-19 to please call the emergency room for further instructions. I am currently in talks with Amtrak about what protocols the train station will be taking for people traveling into our city. The Hudson City School District is taking all proactive measures including working closely NYS Department of Education, and State and Local officials from the Department of Health to monitor all available protocols and information. As a city, I ask you to focus on prevention and follow all CDC prevention guidelines. My office will continue to provide updated information.” -Mayor Kamal Johnson

“As of this release [March 6], there are no cases of Covid-19 in Columbia County. Our actions and how we form our plans for both health care providers and the general public are defined by the Center for Disease Control through New York State Department of Health....The Columbia County Department of Health along with local county officials are committed to actively monitoring the progression of this new virus and modifying our response as required.” -Columbia County Department of Health

The coronavirus is a respiratory pathogen spread by coughing that can cause an illness ranging from mild to severe.

The Columbia County Department of Health in coordination with the New York State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the local hospital and local providers are closely monitoring the global situation of respiratory illness, now being referred to as Covid-19.

We are prepared to identify and manage suspect cases and will implement appropriate control measures to prevent the spread of disease locally.

The most important things to remember to protect against any respiratory virus is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information, see the comprehensive CDC's Covid-19 Resource List  

FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR KRISTEN GILLIBRAND

As news about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to circulate, our office wants to ensure that our constituents have the tools to stay properly informed during this time. We are sure you are following this issue closely and understand your communities may be concerned with developing news about the virus. Please know that our office is closely monitoring updates on this situation and believe it is essential that we have all the facts to stay informed as we move forward. 

The CDC has a list of frequently asked questions and recommended best practices for staying healthy. In addition, the New York State Department of Health is providing information and statewide updates regarding the virus. 

Constituents can also call for more information at the New York State Novel Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065

For a copy of this press release click here.