Coronavirus: Putnam County Offers Residents 2-1-1

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — The Putnam Department of Health confirmed 11 new positive cases of the new coronavirus in county residents, bringing the total to 93 cases as of Wednesday afternoon. To keep lines open at police, emergency services and the health department, county officials asked people to call 2-1-1 for information about the virus officially known as COVID-19.

Residents can help reduce the volume of incoming calls they're having to deal with. The county is collaborating with the United Way, so residents can now call 2-1-1 for coronavirus information.

“Keeping the phone lines open for our health department, hospitals, 9-1-1 staff and community partners is a top priority,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “They are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of you the resident. The 211 operators are now able to answer Putnam-related questions or direct you to the proper resources. We thank them for stepping in to help in this evolving situation."

The 2-1-1 help line is already in operation in Rockland and Westchester.

“We’re pleased to now partner with Putnam County to support their residents," said Tom Gabriel, President and CEO, United Way of Westchester and Putnam. "People should know that by calling the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline for COVID-19 information, you reduce the call volume that might otherwise bog down 9-1-1 dispatchers.

The 2-1-1 operators are equipped with the latest updates from Putnam as the impact of Coronavirus evolves, Putnam officials said. Callers to 2-1-1 can receive reliable information such as, symptoms of the virus, how to access vital services and up to date case numbers. Their website at www.uwwp.org also provides updated numbers of confirmed cases in Putnam, Westchester and the surrounding counties.

Meanwhile, residents can focus on slowing the spread and flattening the curve, officials said. Stay home and use proper hygiene.

The number of cases topped 30,000 in New York State as of Wednesday morning, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in his daily news briefing.

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