Putnam County Reports Coronavirus In Every Town

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — The Putnam County Department of Health confirmed eight new positive cases of the new coronavirus in Putnam County residents, bringing the total to 39 cases. COVID-19 is now considered widespread in Putnam County and numbers have reached the point where the PCDOH can report that positive cases have been found in every town.

"While this is not the news people want to hear, it is not surprising and we have been preparing for this eventuality," said Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD. "With more testing we will find more residents who test positive for this contagious disease. Why does this matter? It matters because we can now focus time and resources on slowing the spread and flattening the curve. We must do all we can to not overwhelm our health care system, including emergency services. By staying home you can be part of the solution."

COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving health crisis. More than 15,000 cases have been confirmed in New York state.

Here is how the cases break down in New York:

• 53 percent of people who tested positive have been 18 to 49 years old
• 50,000 new tests administered
• 4,800 new cases confirmed
• 114 deaths
• 70 percent of deaths so far were 70 years or older and the majority had underlying health conditions
• 80 percent of deaths under 70 years old had an underlying condition
• 1,900 patients have been hospitalized. The 13 percent hospitalization rate is lower than the previous rate of 15 percent.

Putnam health department officials said they wished to continue to be a reliable source of information.

"The Health Department, county agencies and community partners have been working tirelessly to educate residents and encourage them to do their part," said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. "Right now we have many heroes helping the residents of Putnam County. EMS and healthcare workers are on the front line. We all have neighbors that are working to keep our essential services, like markets, pharmacies and utilities up and running. We also probably know someone that, if infected, will need serious medical care. For many of us, staying home right now is the one way we can help save lives. Be a hero. Stay home."

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SEE ALSO:

• New York Has 15 Times More Coronavirus Cases Than Any Other State, Cuomo Says
• Coronavirus U.S. Updates: Deaths Top 400, Senator Tests Positive