Over the past week, there has been a spike in reported COVID cases in Putnam County. The number of reported cases increased 113% from the previous reporting week, rising from 69 to 147. COVID positive admissions have also spiked at Putnam Hospital with eight admissions, the highest number since early February. Although there is increased COVID in the community, there have been no additional deaths attributed to the disease since March. Reported cases of COVID during the past week are primarily adults between the ages of 30 and 69 years of age. While transmission rose across the county, the highest growth of reported cases was seen in Garrison. This is largely attributed to a single outbreak in a contained setting. Infection control procedures have been implemented and the health department is monitoring the situation. The rate of reported cases and hospitalizations in New York State and the Mid-Hudson region have been increasing since mid-July.

As transmission increases, residents are urged to remain aware, take precautions according to their level of risk, and to test if they have symptoms. Anyone who tests positive for COVID should stay home and away from other people, especially those who are at risk for serious illness. Those who test positive should consider speaking with a healthcare provider about treatment to prevent serious illness from COVID.

COVID surveillance reports are released weekly and can be found on the health department website at putnamcountyny.com/health/clinical-services#Providers. Residents with questions or concerns about their own health should call their healthcare providers.