Public Health Efforts Continue As Putnam Reopens After COVID-19

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County entered Phase 1 of New York state's post-pandemic reopening plan on Tuesday, and the most recent data continue to show a decline in active cases of COVID-19.

There are nine people currently hospitalized in Putnam with the disease caused by the new coronavirus. In the county, 60 people have died since the outbreak began in New York at the beginning of March.

"We have been watching carefully around the State and we know what a safe re-opening looks like," County Executive MaryEllen Odell said. "It is a delicate process. Getting the economy moving again is crucial, which is why Putnam County formed the ‘Reopen Putnam Safely Task Force.’ We must all do our part and not become complacent. Following the guidance will ensure the virus continues to decline. Large gatherings and crowds still need to be avoided, as we continue to practice social and physical distancing. The good news is that over the Memorial Day weekend, we saw residents at Putnam beaches showing restraint and being responsible."

Putnam officials said the key is to practice tried-and-true public health practices of good hygiene, social distancing and now keeping gatherings to groups of less than 10 people. By keeping groups small, contact tracing can be managed.

According to the NYS reopening benchmarks, 30 contact tracers are needed per 100,000 residents. However, the state's reopening requirements for Putnam stipulated that the county identify 84 contact tracers in order to track and identify people who may become sick and advise them on how to avoid spreading the virus further.

"Everyone must remain strong and continue to practice social distancing, hand washing and wearing face coverings. With these practices we have flattened the curve," said Putnam County’s Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD. "With these practices we can keep it flattened. Then we can continue to reopen and get everyone back to work. The key words are caution, patience and perseverance."

Phase One began with the reopening of businesses where physical distancing can be most easily preserved. Construction, farms and landscaping businesses, manufacturing, and wholesale trade are some of the businesses that are getting the green light first. Retail establishments as well can open, limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off.

If public health practices can remain in place, the economy can continue to revive itself, officials said. Putnam residents can do their part, both for the health of the community and to support local businesses.

If all proceeds with reason and restraint and hot spots are quickly identified through contact tracing and testing, progress will continue. If lapses occur, it will take some time for that to be reflected in the numbers of positive cases and hospitalizations, Putnam officials said.