Putnam County Government:

Press release from the Putnam County Government:

January 7, 2022

Immediate Release

Putnam County Executive

MaryEllen Odell

845-808-1001

January 7, 2022

When local healthcare providers became overwhelmed by the demand for Covid-19 testing and

New York State didn’t take steps to open a testing site locally, Putnam County government

officials took action. The county entered into an expanded public/private partnership with

Ambulnz and opened testing sites in Carmel and Philipstown for Putnam County residents only.

“We couldn’t wait for the state to take action to protect Putnam County residents so we did it

ourselves,” Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said. “There is no reason that our

residents should have to travel great distances to get Covid tests they need to keep themselves,

their loved ones and our communities safe.”

The sites, at Paladin Center in Carmel and the Philisptown Recreation Center, have been

extremely busy.

From December 27 through January 4, the two drive-through sites tested 4,581 people and

found 810, or just over 17%, were positive for Covid.

“I am impressed with how efficiently these sites are operated,” said Legislator Amy Sayegh,

chair of the Health Committee. “Hundreds of people come every day, but the lines keep moving

and people are treated with respect and compassion.”

The nearest state-run Covid testing site is 30 miles from Carmel, at SUNY Purchase in

Westchester. It only opened on Friday, Jan. 7.

“These testing sites are essential to keeping our businesses running and our schools open,”

said Neal Sullivan, Chairman of the Putnam County Legislature. “This partnership is how

government should work.”

The Putnam County/Ambulnz drive-through test sites, which use rapid antigen tests, are open

from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays for school children and school district staff, and from 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m. seven days a week for all other Putnam County residents.

This press release was produced by the Putnam County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.