Archive for category: coronavirus

A “Commissioner’s Standing Isolation Order” for mandatory isolation related to COVID-19 has been issued by the Putnam County Commissioner of Health to separate sick people from healthy people and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This Standing Order directs any person who tests positive for COVID-19 to isolate themselves at home (or other places as ordered by the Putnam County Department of Health). The Order also dictates how long the person, depending on symptoms, must remain isolated at home. If this legal isolation order is not followed, residents may be fined up to $2,000 per violation per day. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their child(ren) complies with the isolation order or face the same fines.

The directions below can be found in the Commissioner’s Standing Isolation Order and are in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms (symptomatic confirmed positive), you must stay at home until:

·         At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have NO symptoms (asymptomatic confirmed positive), you must stay at home until:

·         At least 7 days after the first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test AND have remained asymptomatic.

·         If symptoms develop, follow the instructions for symptomatic confirmed positive cases.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have been designated by your employer as Health Care Personnel, you must stay at home until:

·         At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

o    Upon returning to work, you should wear a facemask at all times while in the Health Care Facility until all symptoms have completely resolved or until 14 days after the illness started, whichever is longer.

The health department is asking anyone who is or will be affected by this isolation order to cooperate with the Putnam County Department of Health and provide accurate information about their illness, potential exposure sites, and people who may have been exposed. If a person under isolation has worsening symptoms, they should  call their healthcare provider and follow their instructions. The full isolation order is attached and can also be viewed online at https://www.putnamcountyny.com/health/coronavirus/ under additional information.

The rate of positive cases and those who have been potentially exposed to the disease is rapidly increasing and expected to continue to rise. Currently, there are 213  reported positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Putnam County.

“Everyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 must follow the guidance outlined in this order. In order to curb this disease and flatten the curve every resident’s cooperation with all guidance from the Putnam County Department of Health is needed. At this time every decision we make not only impacts ourselves and our family, but our entire community. Your actions throughout this outbreak will make the difference between life and death,”  said Michael J. Nesheiwat, M.D., Commissioner of Health.

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout Putnam County and New York State, drastic precautions have been put into place and social distancing has been strongly recommended. All residents have been asked to stay home, including children and teens. Residents are being directed to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary. Acquiring food or medical supplies are considered essential reasons to leave the home. When you must go out remember to stay away from other people as much as possible, following the recommendation of staying 6 feet apart. It is important that everyone stay home, whether they are healthy, or sick. Consider any public site in Putnam as a potential site for COVID-19 exposure.

If you become mildly ill, stay home, and manage your symptoms. If you have symptoms indicative of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. Do not dial 9-1-1 unless you have an immediate medical emergency.

Continue to practice good hygiene, including washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, and do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

If you have general COVID-19 concerns or questions please call 2-1-1. You can also call the New York State Department of Health’s Novel Coronavirus 24-hour hotline at 1-888-364-3065. To stay up to date on local Putnam County information visit the county’s coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage at https://www.putnamcountyny.com/health/coronavirus/ or follow us on

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/putnamhealthny  or

Twitter at  https://twitter.com/putnamhealthny or

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/putnamhealthny/.

BREWSTER—The coronavirus pandemic has created a highly stressful and anxiety-provoking situation on multiple fronts, but support is available. Putnam mental health providers are using video platforms and online meeting software like Facetime, Duo and GoToMeetings to stay connected with clients. Additionally, a NYS COVID Emotional Support Helpline is launched with more than 10,000 volunteer therapists.

For New York State residents who could benefit from mental health support, the NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline at 844-863-9314 is staffed 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. The phone line is staffed with specially trained volunteer professionals who are there to listen, support and refer if needed. For individuals in crisis, the Putnam County Crisis Hotline remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days each week and can be reached at 845-225-1222, and the National Suicide Prevention Talkline continues at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 24/7, with special supports for Veterans by pressing 1 after dialing.

“The concerns that people have are real and valid,” said Ms. Castellano, MPA, who serves as executive director of the non-profit Mental Health Association of Putnam County. “The key thing is to realize what you can control and focus on that. Self-care should not be underestimated.”

Maintaining daily routines and self-care practices such as eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise are all important ways to alleviate stress and anxiety. “Reducing your risk for the virus will also help alleviate anxiety,” said Michael Piazza, Commissioner of Social Services and Mental Health. This means the highly effective, if repeated advice, for good hand hygiene and social distancing, as well as avoiding misinformation.

When a general COVID-19 question does arise, the first number to call is 2-1-1. Available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week, their operators speak English and Spanish, with other translation services available.

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community, composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit our County website at www.putnamcountyny.com; or visit our social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealthNY and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.

The Putnam County Department of Health (PCDOH) is confirming eleven new positive cases of COVID-19 in Putnam County residents, bringing the total to 93 cases. Now is the time to focus on slowing the spread and flattening the curve. By staying home you can be part of the solution.

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community, composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit our County website at www.putnamcountyny.com/coronavirus; or visit our social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealthny  and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.