Hudson Valley Arts Live on Washington Street in the City of Newburgh reported a positive case of COVID-19. The Newburgh venue hosted the Hung With Care show the day following Thanksgiving. The event was sponsored by Big Gay Hudson Valley. According to their website Big Gay Hudson Valley is an organization based in the Mid-Hudson Valley that promotes and showcases to residents “gay-owned, -friendly, and -sensible businesses, events, resources, and happenings.”

A representative from the Orange County Health Department stated that patrons or workers of the Hung With Care event may have been exposed to the virus. The representative also informed residents of Dr. Irina Gelman’s recommendations of monitoring both patron and children’s, if present at the time of the event, symptoms. According to Gelman, any public area in Orange County is a potential place for transmission.

Stephan Hengst, Co-Founder of Big Gay Hudson Valley, stated that attendants of the event on the 26th needed to present valid proof of vaccination prior to entering the venue. “Masks were optional at that event,” Hengst said. “All throughout this year we have hosted all of our events outside intentionally,” Hengst said. With the new Omicron variant reported and the caution, Big Gay Hudson Valley is advising and assisting with the current situation however they can. Big Gay Hudson Valley has reached out to the attendees of the event through email to make them aware of the situation and to monitor symptoms.

At 4 p.m. on December 3, the Orange County Health Department’s website lists 60,772 positive cases of the COVID-19 virus with 944 deaths. The Omicron variant has also been reported in New York State, creating concern.

The Orange County Health Department representative advises you to contact your health provider if you feel sick. More information can be found at the website www.orangecountygov.com or by calling the Orange County Health Department COVID-19 hotline at 845-291-2330.