Coronavirus Cases In Putnam County Increase: Update

UPDATE 5:30 p.m. — In addition to this morning’s announcement of three new positive coronavirus cases, the Putnam County Department of Health confirms an additional case, bringing the total count up to six confirmed positive cases in Putnam County, officials said in an announcement at 5:23 p.m.

The individuals have been quarantined at home and will continue to be monitored carefully. Our communicable disease staff are interviewing these individuals to learn about their movements, and identify all close contacts. Contact tracing then begins, which includes asking for a detailed history of where they have traveled, worked, shopped, and more. On the basis of these answers, communicable disease staff will compile a list of people who may have been potentially exposed. Staff then contacts each of these people to explain their risk. Regular communication and monitoring for symptoms of the disease continue for these contacts.

The PCDOH and the County Executive are making every effort to keep you as informed as possible. Moving forward, new positive case numbers and increased totals will be released at noon and 4 p.m. daily on the Putnam County website.

We do not release the name or town of the residents who have positive results. PCDOH follows HIPAA (patient privacy) and New York State DOH regulations, protecting this information.

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — The Putnam County Department of Health confirmed three new positive cases of the new coronavirus in Putnam County residents at midday Thursday, bringing the total to five cases.

There were 4,152 confirmed cases in New York as of Thursday morning, state officials said. Of those, 798 were in Westchester County, 31 were in Dutchess, 53 were in Rockland and 51 were in Orange County.

Outbreaks involving the virus called COVID-19 evolve quickly and recommendations from public health officials may change as new information becomes available, they said. Information for residents is available on the county's coronavirus webpage.

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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. Odell also issued several emergency orders, which enacted the following measures:

• All social, community, public gatherings or events, including Putnam County sponsored events where it is anticipated that more than 20 people will be in attendance must be cancelled or postponed
• All food service establishments, including delis, supermarkets, grocery stores and catering facilities must cease all buffet style service and sales
• All public and private schools in the county will be closed. Extracurricular activities must be canceled, but the school buildings can remain open for staff and administrators.
• The county’s four senior centers are closed and home meal delivery will be expanded to all seniors in need. This includes the Friendship Centers in Carmel, Putnam Valley and Philipstown, and the William Koehler Senior Center in Mahopac.
• Visitors will no longer be allowed at the Putnam County Jail.
• All civil service examinations will be canceled and rescheduled at a later date.
• Visitors to the County Clerk’s Office as well as the Putnam County DMV will be limited to a maximum of 10 patrons at a time.

In addition to these closings and restrictions, the County continues to recommend proactive and extensive social distancing be practiced. Specifically, in an effort to reduce the spread and exposure to COVID-19 and to protect our vulnerable populations, 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 reconsidered and re-scheduled if at all possible. Please continue to use common sense and to be mindful of your neighbors and your communities so that we can achieve a reduction in exposure.

New York Gov. Andrew 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 communities safe.

Until New York State is at full capacity for testing, the Department of Health has issued guidance to ensure that New York State prioritizes the resources to meet the most urgent public health need.

Testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider when:

• An individual has come within proximate contact (same classroom, office, or gatherings) of another person known to be positive; or
• An individual has traveled to a country that the CDC has issued a Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice, and shows symptoms of illness; or
• An individual is quarantined (mandatory or precautionary) and has shown symptoms of COVID-19 illness; or
• An individual is symptomatic and has not tested positive for any other infection; or
• Other cases where the facts and circumstances warrant as determined by the treating clinician in consultation with state and local department of health officials.

Coronavirus in New York:

• Putnam Coronavirus: Jail Suspends Programs, Services, Visits
• Coronavirus Outbreak Predicted To Peak In 45 Days: Cuomo
• Daycare Centers May Reopen, Putnam Officials Disagree
• NY Coronavirus: 3/4 Workforce Stay Home; Mortgage Payments Waived