After Out-of-State Travel, Putnam Residents Test Positive

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Several Putnam residents have returned infected from states where the new coroanavirus outbreak is raging, county officials said.

"Locally we have already identified a limited number of known positive cases that are a result of travel to a state with high rates of positivity," said Putnam Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD. "While this number remains small and people have been isolated, when it comes to the health of your family, your community or even encountering a fine— the risks just aren’t worth it."

Under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order there is a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all coming from a state with a positive COVID-19 test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10 percentage rate test positivity rate, over a seven-day rolling average.

The list of has expanded from eight to 16, and now includes California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Tennessee, in addition to the states announced last week that remain on the list, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. Washington state was originally on the list and has since been removed. The advisory is updated weekly.

Those found violating the New York travel-related quarantine order risk fines and potential loss of COVID-19 sick benefits. Violators may be subject to a judicial order and mandatory quarantine as well. A first violation could result in a $2,000 fine and could increase to $10,000 for subsequent violations or exposures.

Just yesterday, officials in nearby Rockland County announced they would be fining those violating pandemic protocols.

Meanwhile, the Putnam County Department of Health recommends residents postpone distant travel plans and instead, invest time and money into the local economy.

"When feeling the urge to travel—you don’t have to look far. Our community has so much to offer. Families that have planned to spend dedicated time together this summer can discover Putnam’s beauty and rich history," said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. "Stay local. Dine outdoors in Putnam. Explore our trails and lakes. Create adventure locally. In addition to enjoying your time with your family, you will be part of the solution."

She recommended a visit to Putnam County Tourism's website. Resources for business can be found by visiting the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation's website.

In Putnam's outbreak, there have been 1,332 cumulative positive cases, for a 7.5 percent positivity rate, and 63 residents have died.

New Yorkers are encouraged to continue to social or physical distance and wear face coverings when distancing cannot be maintained, health officials said. To report someone who did not self-quarantine, call 1-833-789-0470, visit mylicense.custhelp.com/app/ask, or call the Putnam County Department of Health at 845-808-1390.