Public Health Alert: County Officials Advise Anyone Who Visited Town of Rhinebeck Transfer Station on Nov. 28th to Monitor for Symptoms

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH) Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian announced today an employee at the Town of Rhinebeck Transfer Station, located at 376 Stone Church Road in Rhinebeck, has tested positive for COVID-19.  Anyone who brought materials to the Rhinebeck Transfer Station on Saturday, Nov. 28th is advised to monitor for symptoms and seek testing if symptoms develop.  Individuals should be vigilant about COVID-19 prevention measures – face covering, hand washing and physical distancing – to be prevent any potential community spread. Individuals who have questions can also contact the Dutchess County Coronavirus Hotline at (845) 486-3555 (for Spanish, press 9).

DBCH’s Rapid Response Team has been working with the Town of Rhinebeck to ensure they are following all recommended health and safety guidelines and protocols, and the Town has already conducted a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the transfer station. Contact tracing is underway with those confirmed to have had direct contact with the individual.

Symptoms of Coronavirus/COVID-19, which may appear two to 14 days after exposure, include:

• fever
• coughing
• shortness of breath/trouble breathing
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• new loss of taste or smell
• sore throat
• congestion or runny nose
• nausea or vomiting; and
• diarrhea.

Dr. Vaidian said, “We appreciate the cooperation of Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia and Town of Rhinebeck staff to quickly alert DBCH of this confirmed positive case so we can make the public aware of potential exposure.”

Testing is available throughout Dutchess County, and information about the nearest testing locations is available at dutchessny.gov/coronavirustesting.

Residents can protect themselves from Coronavirus/COVID-19 with basic actions, including:

• wearing face covering when in public;
• washing their hands regularly with soap and water, spending 20 seconds thoroughly scrubbing hands;
• practicing social distancing by maintaining 6 feet between themselves and others; and
• staying home when they are sick to rest, recover and help prevent the spread of virus and disease.

Residents can find additional information about COVID-19 at:

• dutchessny.gov/coronavirus
• Dutchess County’s Coronavirus Hotline: 845-486-3555 (for Spanish, press 9)
• New York State Coronavirus Information Hotline: 888-364-3065