From Dutchess County, via their listserv, Dutchess Delivery:

Fourth COVID-19-Related Death Confirmed in Dutchess County

3/31/2020: The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) has confirmed the death of a fourth Dutchess County resident relating to COVID-19. DBCH confirmed a 52-year-old male died today, March 31, 2020 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. The person was admitted to the hospital the previous week with shortness of breath. He was tested for COVID-19 which was confirmed positive. The individual had not been known to DBCH until his hospitalization. Further specific information cannot be provided for privacy reasons.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “To the family and friends, we are heartbroken for your loss. To the rest of the residents of Dutchess County, please take this to heart. Stay home. We all have a responsibility to stay healthy in order to protect the most vulnerable among us. As the death toll rises, remember that our smallest actions can be lifesaving, or life-threatening. The death of a fourth neighbor here in Dutchess serves as a harsh reminder that there is nowhere in our County untouched by coronavirus."

County Executive Molinaro continues to ask residents to stay at home to limit community transmission of the virus. When it is absolutely necessary to go out, do so with caution and follow proper social distancing protocol from others by staying at least six feet away and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Behavioral and Community Health Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian said, “We have an incredible team of public health professionals who are working around the clock. We’re coordinating with hospitals, doctor’s offices, testing facilities, schools, local officials to coordinate our efforts. Our department is using every resource available, but we need residents to do their part to assist us in our efforts. To help us protect the safety of every resident, please stay home."

There are now more than 390 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Dutchess County, over 2,300 tests have been administered, and four deaths related to COVID-19, while many others are beginning to be considered as recovered. All of these numbers are expected to continue to increase, which is why remaining at home is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and flattening the curve, so as not to overwhelm the local healthcare system. Let’s help ensure that everyone can get the care they need.