2nd Coronavirus Case Confirmed in Ulster County, 5 Schools Closed

Officials confirmed a second person tested positive for coronavirus in Ulster County. The person may have had contact with school employees, causing five schools to close.

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On Wednesday around 2 p.m., Ulster County Pat Ryan and the Ulster County Commissioner of Health announced a second positive COVID-19 case in Ulster County.

Ryan later confirmed the person is an elderly man from the Town of Shawangunk. It's unclear if he traveled internationally.

Officials believe he had "potential contact" with employees of the Wallkill Central School District. Out "of an abundance of caution" all the schools in the district will be closed through the weekend for cleaning.

"For weeks Ulster County has been preparing and refining our response to COVID-19 while updating the public and community leaders daily as the situation unfolds. Residents should continue to exercise caution, but I must stress that this is not a cause for panic," Ryan said.

Based on the second confirmed case of coronavirus in Ulster County, Ryan and Ulster County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith recommends all nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Ulster County cease visitation for at least the month of March.

Officials also asked all residents who are at higher risk, in particular seniors and those with chronic medical conditions, take necessary precautions such as avoiding large gatherings and public events.

"We will continue to closely monitor developments on the ground and make all decisions based on new data as the situation develops. I am fully confident in our collective response as a County and community, and appreciate the continued resilience and patience of our residents," Ryan said.

This past Sunday, we learned Ulster County had its first confirmed case of novel coronavirus/COVID-19.

The Ulster County resident recently traveled internationally to France, officials say. He drove himself to the hospital after experiencing coronavirus symptoms where test samples were taken and he was immediately placed into quarantine, officials say.

Stay Informed: CDC Website About Coronavirus

On Tuesday, Mount Saint Mary College ordered all students and staff to stay away from the campus until at least the end of the month due to the coronavirus.

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Four schools in area also recently sent students or staff members home due to the coronavirus. There are currently over 100 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Lower Hudson Valley, most from Westchester County.