Coronavirus
What you need to know
What you need to know
The Putnam County Department of Health is planning a Drive-Thru COVID-19 diagnostic testing clinic on Tuesday, April 28th from 11 am – 1:30 pm.
Testing supplies are limited:
-Must be a Putnam County, NY resident with COVID-19 symptoms.
-Healthcare workers will be prioritized.
-Must pre-screen by taking a survey: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5565849/Putnam-County-COVID-19-Testing-Questionnaire-04-28-2020-Â
DO NOT call the health department regarding this testing event. Staff will call you if you meet the criteria for testing. We must keep the phone lines open for other COVID-19 questions and guidance.
Proof of residency and employment will be verified at the testing site. Additional drive-thru testing events will be scheduled.
As of April 25, the Putnam County Department of Health (PCDOH) is confirming a total of 988 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19. For a breakdown by town, please visit www.putnamcountyny.com/covid19 There are people that have COVID-19 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 have to go out to slow the spread.
The PCDOH and the County Executive are making every effort to keep you as informed as possible. Moving forward, case numbers will be updated each day. As with any communicable disease, case counts can change daily. As the investigation process continues, addresses are confirmed, out of county cases are reassigned, and delayed lab reports are received, the data changes. Sometimes there are inconsistencies with the state reported positive tests and PCDOH reported positive test results. PCDOH is reporting all positive test results for individuals who have been notified of their results and are confirmed to be living in our County. The information that is reported is the most accurate information at the time it is shared.
The County continues to recommend proactive and extensive social distancing, also known as physical distancing. Specifically, in an effort to reduce the spread and exposure to COVID-19 and to protect our vulnerable populations, if you are not at home, everyone should attempt to maintain at least a 6 foot distance from other individuals. You should only be leaving your homes when absolutely necessary. All social events should be cancelled or re-scheduled. Please continue to use common sense and to be mindful of your neighbors and your communities so that we can flatten the curve. In addition to social distancing, you should wear a cloth face covering when in public for essential tasks.
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 in particular, are having trouble breathing, do not delay seeking medical care. Prior to presenting to a healthcare providerâs 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.
If you need mental health counseling, please call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314.
If you have symptoms or direct contact to a lab-confirmed case and would like to be tested, please visit covid19screening.health.ny.gov or call the NYSDOH hotline to complete an assessment.
Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency in New York State on March 7 to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state. The emergency declaration allows for more resources to go towards the efforts of local health departments in keeping our community safe. Along with CT, PA and NJ, Governor Cuomo enacted several executive orders to encourage social distancing:
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell declared a State of Emergency in Putnam County on March 13. The State of Emergency will allow the county to share resources more efficiently and better respond to the rapidly evolving situation involving COVID-19. In addition to the Governor’s Executive Orders, County Executive Odell announced:
Last updated 4/25/2020 at 2pm
Where can I get tested?
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.
NYSDOH
Call for screening at 888-364-3065 or complete the online assessment here.
Nuvance Health
Call 888-667-9262 and press 3 to schedule a virtual visit with a provider and get a prescription for testing. You do not need to be a Nuvance patient. If you already have a prescription from your provider, fax the prescription to 845-454-5128 then call 888-667-9262 and press 2 to schedule an appointment.
Danbury Hospital
You must have a prescription faxed from your physician to 203-739-1514 and then call 203-739-4344 to schedule an appointment. They require an insurance card and photo ID.
Westchester Medical Center
Call 914-202-4530 for a pre-screening and an appointment.
Pulse MD Urgent Care
Limited testing is available after a virtual visit with one of their providers. To schedule an appointment, click here or call 845-204-9260
What should I do if Iâm 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:
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 for those who have symptoms. As in past clinics, healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers will be prioritized.
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.
Which towns in Putnam have positive cases?
At this time, every town in Putnam County has a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19. For the most recent up-to-date breakdown by town, please visit: www.putnamcountyny.com/covid19/
Why donât I see my town in the breakdown?
Putnam County has six towns, and sometimes your town name doesnât always match your mailing address. The following list is not exhaustive but contains the villages and most of the hamlets in our county.
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 long does it take for results to come after an individual is tested for COVID-19?
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).
Is PCDOH notified of all tests done in Putnam County?
PCDOH is notified of all positive COVID-19 test results in our county. Most labs are notifying PCDOH of the negative results as well.
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
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 manufacturerâs instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
What can I do to protect myself?
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:
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.
What precautions should I take when I go grocery shopping?
While youâre in the store, make sure to maintain a six-foot distance from other shoppers and workers. âThe 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 youâre 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.
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
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.
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 âcontact tracing.â This means that every person with a positive result is interviewed to find out who they have been in contact with and then we call the contacts directly. These contacts are monitored as needed.
PCDOH does not release the names of the people who have positive results. We follow HIPAA (patient privacy) regulations, which protects this information.
Should I cancel my travel plans?
CDC recommendations regarding travel change frequently.
For the most updated travel information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
Where can I find information about state, federal and global decisions?
For more information about state, federal and global decisions, please visit the following websites:
If your question was not answered above, please email us at COVID19@putnamcountyny.gov