A 99-year-old resident of the New Windsor Country Inn passed away from the novel coronavirus [COVID-19] last Wednesday.

The New Windsor Country Inn is an elderly home, it has become a hotspot for COVID-19. Concerns have been raised over the safety of the remaining residents.

“We’ve taken almost two dozen residents to the hospital,” said New Windsor Supervisor George Meyers. “Some of them have been sent back and some of them have been admitted.”

As of March 27, there were 71 COVID-19 patients in New Windsor. In all of Orange County there are over 900 COVID-19 cases. Concerns have been raised all over the state over medical personnel, safety personnel, and hospital capacity.

Meyers has raised concerns over the safety of the New Windsor Emergency Medical Services [EMS] when handling potential COVID-19 cases. He worries over members of the New Windsor EMS potentially contracting COVID-19.

In order to limit the exposure to the virus, new procedures have been implemented. Meyers said that only two people will ride in the ambulance, and one would deal with the patient while the other would remain in the ambulance. Ambulances are also cleaned down thoroughly after every trip.

All members have protective gear like masks, and gloves. No members have tested positive for COVID-19. Since the New Windsor EMS is made up of paid members and volunteers, there hasn’t been a decline in workforce.

As of last Friday, four Orange County residents have passed away from COVID-19.

“We got our hands full with this thing,” said Meyers. “It’s probably not over yet.”