At this time, the CDC continues to recommend people contact a primary care provider for a complete assessment. A healthcare provider will be able to assess and if indicated, test for flu or other viruses. If you have had direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed and has symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and fever, you should call tell your health care provider when you call.

As with any illness:

• Stay home when you are sick. Remain home for at least 72 hours after you no longer have a fever (without taking fever-reducing medication) or signs of a fever (i.e., chills, feeling warm, flushed appearance)
• Limit your contact with others as much as possible, even from the members in your household
• Cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow or with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
• If you feel ill enough to dial 911, you must inform the dispatcher of any risk factors

Testing availability may change from week-to-week or even day-to-day. To find the closest testing location to you, please visit the NYS Test Site Finder website.

Some private healthcare providers in Putnam County are able to provide testing.  A healthcare provider will be able to assess and if indicated, test for flu or other viruses. If you have had direct contact with someone known to have tested positive with COVID-19 or have recently returned from an area with a high incidence of COVID-19, please inform your healthcare provider before you go to your appointment. Some healthcare providers are offering telemedicine visits, a virtual visit through your computer or phone.

The following list is subject to change:

NYSDOH

Call for screening at 888-364-3065 or complete the online assessment here.

Pulse MD Urgent Care

Testing is available after a virtual visit with one of their providers. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call 845-204-9260.

CareMount Medical

Testing is available after a primary care or urgent care virtual visit. A virtual visit can be scheduled on their website.

Nuvance Health

Nuvance Health is offering testing for new and existing patients at primary care practices. Testing is also available at their Urgent Care Centers.

AFC Urgent Care

Testing is available after a virtual visit with one of their providers. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call 203-826-2140.

Northwell Health Urgent Care

Testing is available after a virtual or in-person visit with a provider. To find the closest location or schedule a virtual visit, please visit their website.

Westchester Medical Center

Call 914-202-4530 for a pre-screening and an appointment. You can also request an appointment online in English or Spanish.

CVS

Select CVS pharmacies with drive-thru windows are offering rapid testing. Visit their website to find your closest location.

Test result turnaround times vary depending on the lab the specimen was sent to and which state the test was performed. Generally, it takes three to five days for test results to to be reported. Sometimes, results can be ready within 24 hours (not typical) and can take up to 2 weeks (out of state).

Once a lab-confirmed case is identified, our communicable disease staff immediately begin to perform a case investigation. This means that every person with a positive result is interviewed to find out who they have been in contact with while infections. All contacts are called directly by the NYS Contact Tracers, given instructions to quarantine and are monitored as needed. This is also known as contact tracing.

PCDOH does not release the names of the people who have positive results. We follow HIPAA (patient privacy) regulations, which protects this information.

The total number of tests done in Putnam County, including tests done by PCDOH, NYSDOH and private entities, can be found here

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. We recommend staying home as much as possible to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, including:

• Practice Social Distancing (also known as physical distancing)
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cough into your elbow, or cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Do not share personal items such as water bottles.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home and away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
• If you must go out for essential tasks, wear a face covering to protect those around you

CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting can be found here. Clean high touch surfaces often (e.g. tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.).

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Products or https://www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.

For more information about state, federal and global decisions, please visit the following websites:

• NYSDOH: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus