Multiple COVID-19 Infections Suspected From Private Party

RED HOOK, NY — Dutchess County health officials urging the public to take steps to protect against the new coronavirus as multiple cases are confirmed in the town of Red Hook.

The county Department of Behavioral and Community Health said Tuesday it is currently investigating eight confirmed cases of the virus, including children and adults.

They are believed to be related to a party at a private residence, health officials said.

According to a county spokesperson, the cases have impacted the Red Hook Central School District summer school program as well as the Red Hook Recreation summer camp and pool programs, with health officials working with each organization for contact tracing, quarantines and other precautionary mitigation efforts.

Health Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian said this was a critical reminder to the community that the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much here.

"It is as important to be vigilant and continue to take steps to protect yourself and your family," he said.

"Those who are unvaccinated remain a vector for the virus," Vaidian said. "Getting vaccinated is the most important protection you can take, as the more people who are vaccinated, the less chance the virus has to spread."

There has been limited impact in the Red Hook Central School District, officials said. The district was in communication with the health department and all affected families. Summer school is operating on a normal schedule with all appropriate precautions. The Red Hook Recreation camp and pool programs are expected to return to normal operation within the next day or two, because there was minimal exposure risk for participants.

Vaidian said several of the people confirmed as positive for the virus in the Red Hook outbreak were vaccinated, though most are only experiencing mild symptoms, if any.

There have been no lab-confirmed cases of the delta variant so far in the county, he said, even though nationally there are more instances of the variants "breaking through" to vaccinated people.

Residents should be alert for symptoms. In the event they do experience symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell, they should get tested for COVID-19 and stay home to rest and recover.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, people should continue to practice smart health and safety measures including:

• Washing hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when necessary.
• Practice physical distancing — particularly in congregate settings.
• Stay home when sick. If you are experiencing cold or COVID-19 symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, loss of taste or smell, stay home to rest, recover and help prevent the spread of virus and disease.
• Carry a mask and wear it in crowded settings, particularly when you may be in contact with people whose vaccination status is unknown or are experiencing symptoms.

To learn more about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.DutchessNY.gov/covidvaccine.

As of Sunday, Dutchess County reported 29,632 confirmed cases of the virus, up from Saturday's 29,626.

There are 111 active cases in the county as of Sunday, up from 105 Saturday.

At least 59 percent of Dutchess residents have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Slightly less than 54 percent have completed the full vaccination process.

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