Coronavirus
What you need to know
What you need to know
As more vaccine becomes available to local health departments and more groups are eligible for vaccination, additional closed PODs will be scheduled for people who live and work in Putnam County. Once the vaccine is more widely available, the health department will share public POD information with local newspapers and online news sites, post on our website and share on social media. This information will be updated as more information becomes available.
Putnam County offices are open to the public. Modified schedules and services may be in place. Appointments may be necessary, calling ahead is advised.
Consistent with recent CDC guidance, quarantine for individuals exposed to COVID-19 can end after ten days without a testing requirement if no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period.
Governor Cuomo announced as of 10 pm on November 13, all restaurants, bars, gyms and fitness centers must be closed between 10 pm and 5 am. Restaurants may continue take-out and delivery after 10 pm without alcohol service.
Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences are restricted to 10 people as of 10 pm on November 13.
Travelers are able to ‘test-out’ of the mandatory 10-day quarantine. This travel advisory applies to people who were outside of New York for more than 24 hours in a state that does not border NY or in a country on the CDC level 2 or 3 advisory list. Travelers must test within 72 hours prior to traveling to NYS, quarantine for three days upon arrival, and test again on the fourth day. They can exit quarantine once a second negative result is received. If a traveler does not choose to be tested before and after travel, they must complete the 10-day quarantine. For additional information, including exemptions for essential workers, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.
The following industries have been permitted to reopen, some services may be restricted:
For specific guidance for each of the reopening Phases and the affected industries, please visit forward.ny.gov/ny-forward Please continue to use common sense. Be mindful of your neighbors, our communities and our vulnerable populations, to reduce the spread and exposure to COVID-19. PCDOH continues to recommend:
As with any new disease, information changes frequently. The PCDOH and the County Executive are making every effort to keep you as informed as possible by sharing accurate, up-to-date information.
The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases, including the breakdown by town, is shared at www.putnamcountyny.com/COVID19. There may be people with COVID-19 in our community that are not reflected in lab-confirmed case numbers. They may have not been tested yet, could be awaiting lab results, or are asymptomatic yet contagious. Please stay home as much as possible and keep your distance if you must go out to slow the spread.
If you develop flu-like symptoms and are not short of breath, the best thing you can do for yourself and your community is stay home. If you are feeling more severely ill, and, are having trouble breathing, do not delay seeking medical care. Prior to presenting to a healthcare provider’s office, urgent care or local emergency room, call ahead to inform them if you have had a risk of exposure to COVID-19. If you call 911, inform the dispatcher of your risk of exposure.
Respiratory illnesses spread quickly, and so does disinformation. Refer to trusted sources, with track records of providing accurate science and health related information. Outbreaks involving COVID-19 evolve quickly and recommendations from public health officials may change as new information becomes available.
For general COVID-19 questions, call 211 or the NYSDOH hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
For mental health counseling, please call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314.
If you would like to be tested, please visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you to find a testing site.
For more information about state, federal and global decisions, please visit the following websites:
What should I do if I’m sick?
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:
What are signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms include:
For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Where can I get tested?
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).
Where can I get antibody testing?
There are several private providers testing for COVID-19 antibodies; this may also include your primary care provider. The following is a list of medical groups who have antibody testing available.
If your antibody test result is positive, you can donate plasma at the following locations.
How do I know if I was exposed to a lab-confirmed case?
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.
What does a Health Alert at a business mean?
Local businesses and restaurants are working hard to keep you safe- they are diligent with their cleaning protocols and are quick to answer when PCDOH calls. Businesses are also still feeling the effects of the pandemic. When it is determined through a case investigation that a health alert must be issued at a local business, they need community support more than ever. Putnam businesses have always been eager to support our community by sponsoring sports teams and making donations, now is the time to give back. Keep Putnam strong, support Putnam, and shop Putnam.
Is drive-through testing available in Putnam County?
PCDOH does not have drive-through testing available on a regular basis. When a drive-through clinic is scheduled, it will be by appointment only.
PCDOH 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 known to have tested positive with COVID-19, please inform your healthcare provider before you go to your appointment.
If your healthcare provider believes you should be tested but does not have the capability to test you, please have them contact PCDOH.
How many people have passed away from COVID-19 in Putnam?
Fatality information is reported directly to NYS by hospitals and nursing homes. You can find this information through the NYSDOH Tracker here.
How many tests have been done in Putnam County?
The total number of tests done in Putnam County, including tests done by PCDOH, NYSDOH and private entities, can be found here
What can I do to protect myself?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. We recommend staying home as much as possible to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, including:
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also known as physical distancing, is the practice of reducing close contact between people to slow the spread of infections or diseases. To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, people should remain at least six feet apart from each other. Social distancing measures include limiting groups of people coming together, closing buildings and cancelling events.
How do I clean for COVID-19?
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.
What precautions should I take when I go grocery shopping?
While you’re in the store, make sure to maintain a six-foot distance from other shoppers and workers. The CDC, NYSDOH and PCDOH recommend that you wear a cloth face covering or mask when you go out in public. Gloves are not recommended at this time, but if you choose to use them, make sure to dispose of gloves properly in a garbage can when you are done shopping. During your shopping trip, be sure not to touch your face and wash your hands thoroughly when you return home. You can also use hand sanitizer while you’re in the store and when you leave. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water when you return home.
Once you are home and ready to unpack your groceries , sanitize the surfaces where you placed your bags. Right now, we know the virus can live on surfaces, although the exact time depends on the surface, so washing your hands frequently during and after unpacking groceries can help reduce your risk. There is no guidance at this time on cleaning the groceries you bring home.
For more information about running essential errands, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html
Can an individual catch COVID-19 a second time?
Unfortunately, there is not enough information to know for sure yet.
How long does COVID-19 live on surfaces and in the air?
This virus can remain stable and possibly infectious for several hours to several days, depending on where it is located. For example, it can remain as an aerosol in the air for up to three hours. On cardboard it can remain up to 24 hours, and on plastic or stainless steel it remains stable for two to three days. This stability is similar to the original SARS virus.
Source: National Institutes of Health.
Does Putnam County have isolation protocols?
Putnam County has an Isolation and Quarantine plan as part of our Public Health Emergency Preparedness Planning. It has been reviewed and adjusted for COVID-19. Each resident that is identified as needing to isolate will receive a phone call with instructions and written guidance.
On April 1, the Commissioner issued a Standing Order for mandatory isolation related to COVID-19 to separate sick people from healthy people and to help prevent the spread. The full isolation order can be seen under ‘Additional Information’ on this website.
If your question was not answered above, please email us at COVID19@putnamcountyny.gov
Complaints on facilities will not be addressed at this email address. To file a complaint, please call the Department of Health directly at 845-808-1390.
There is a delay between when some people find out they have a positive COVID test result, when the PCDOH can call them to explain isolation, and when the PCDOH can notify their close contacts of the need to quarantine. Therefore, WE NEED YOUR HELP.