Even before the number of COVID-19 cases in Schoharie County topped 600—it was at 628 yesterday—a number of local offices are limiting their hours and some libraries have gone back to curbside pick-up only.
Schools are also adjusting their schedules.
According to the Health Department, there were 22 new cases Sunday for a total of 96 active COVID-19 cases with an additional 248 people in quarantine.
So far, there have been five deaths with 8-10 people hospitalized.
The state reported 17 new cases Monday, bringing the total to 628 at presstime.
The state’s COVID Report Card for schools has not been updated since December 21.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Due to COVID concerns, the Middleburgh Village office is closed to the public as of Monday.
Village residents can leave their water and sewer payments in the metal box to the left of the front door.
Staff will be working their regular hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-noon and 1-3pm.
If you need an appointment, call (518) 827-5143.
The Town of Middleburgh is also limiting hours during the tax season to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 9am-noon.
There is a drop box at the front of the building; call (518) 827-5100 to make other arrangements.
The Town of Sharon is asking people to use the drop box at their building or mail tax payments.
The Town of Jefferson is also limiting hours and access and will be open for door service only on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30am-noon.
Residents are asked to mail tax payments or leave them in the drop box.

LIBRARIES
Due to the increase in COVID numbers, the Mildleburgh Library is taking a step back to only providing curbside service.
Call to request books or do it online with your library card.
The Cobleskill Community Library is also returning to curbside pickup only with no in-building browsing until further notice.
For help with printing and faxing, book selection, or to schedule a pick-up, call (518) 234-7897.

SCHOOLS
Sharon Springs Central School is planning a phased-in approach to returning to in-person instruction after the Christmas break.
K-6 and BOCES students returned Monday, 7th-9th grade students will go back next Monday, January 11, and on on Tuesday, January 19, all students, K – 12.

SYMPTOMS
According to the Health Department, the most common COVID symptoms they are seeing are: fatigue, headache, diarrhea, sore throat, and cough.
Many people, however, never have a fever.
The full list of symptoms to watch out for includes: fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, back pain, fatigue, runny nose, congestion, and sore throat.
Also: Loss of smell, loss of taste, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, cough, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, altered mental status, and confusion.
Vaccination efforts are underway, but currently continue to be focused on the highest-risk populations.