In response to changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, PCDOH has aligned with NYSDOH and CDC and is following the CDC’s approach to isolation and exposure precautions. County residents who test positive may not be contacted and are asked to self-isolate and notify their contacts, including their school or employer if present during the infectious period. The infectious period begins two days prior to symptom onset or the test date if asymptomatic. Isolation and exposure information as well as an Isolation Affirmation can be found below.
Positive for COVID-19?
Isolate and notify contacts.
Individuals who have received a positive COVID-19 test result from their physician, pharmacy, health care facility, laboratory or home test must ISOLATE for at least 5 days past the onset of symptoms or 5 days past the date of their positive test sample collection (if no symptoms). Isolation can end after 5 days if asymptomatic or respiratory symptoms are improving, and fever has been resolved for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. The individual should wear a well-fitting mask through day 10.
- How to Isolate if You Are Sick (CDC)
- How to Identify Contacts
- Isolation Affirmation (Legal sufficiency of this Affirmation for entitlement to paid leave to be determined by individual employers)
Treatment Information
New York State residents outside of New York City can now call 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869) to be connected to a healthcare professional for COVID-19 information and treatment. This resource is open to all New York residents, regardless of income or health insurance status. Positive COVID-19 patients can also complete an evaluation form online by visiting NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access, which also includes a telemedicine visit.
The COVID-19 treatment hotline is available 24/7 and operated by experienced healthcare professionals who can prescribe treatment and referrals. The telemedicine visit includes a clinical assessment, COVID-19 treatment plan, and/or a prescription for Paxlovid or Molnupiravir.
Exposed to COVID-19?
Take precautions.
Individuals who were exposed to someone with COVID-19 should wear a well-fitted mask while around others for 10 days and watch for symptoms. If symptoms develop, immediately isolate. Test at least 5 full days after last exposure, or if symptoms appear.
Protect yourself from COVID-19 as you would other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home if ill.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces often.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Do not share personal items such as water bottles.
- You can choose to wear a mask based on community levels at home and other destinations.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
Helpful Links:
Vaccine Eligibility
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Individuals 6 months and older are eligible to receive a vaccine.
Individuals who received a two-dose mRNA vaccine and are immune-compromised are eligible for a third dose of vaccine at least 28 days after their second dose.
Booster Eligibility
The CDC recommends that people people ages 12 years and older receive one update (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was their final primary series dose, or an original (monovalent) booster.
Children ages 5 to 11 are eligible for an original (monovalent) booster at least 5 months after their completing their primary series.
Certain individuals are eligible for a additional booster doses.
Vaccine Availability
The COVID-19 vaccine is currently offered at health department immunization clinics. Please call 845-808-1332 for an appointment.
Vaccines can also be found through healthcare providers, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers, and other locations. To find a vaccine close to you, please visit vaccines.gov
Putnam County offices are open to the public. Modified schedules and services may be in place. Appointments may be necessary, calling ahead is advised.
Respiratory illnesses spread quickly, and so does disinformation. Refer to trusted sources, with track records of providing accurate science and health related information. Recommendations from public health officials about COVID-19 may change as new information becomes available.
Pfizer Bivalent COVID-19 Booster vaccine clinic
Monday, October 3 from 3 pm to 6 pm
1 Geneva Road in Brewster
What should I do if I’m sick?
Contact your primary care provider for a complete assessment. A healthcare provider will be able to assess and if indicated, test for flu or other viruses. If you have had direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID, you should tell your health care provider when you call.
New York State residents can call the COVID Treatment Hotline after testing positive, 888-TREAT-NY (888-87-2869). You can also visit NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access to fill out an evaluation form for a telemedicine visit with a healthcare professional.
Prevent the spread of illness:
- Stay home when you are sick. Remain home for 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (without taking fever-reducing medication), your other symptoms are improving, and it has been at least 5 days since your first symptom. Wear a well-fitting mask for another 5 days when around others.
- Limit your contact with others as much as possible, even from the members in your household
- Monitor your symptoms.
- Cover your cough or sneeze into your elbow or with a tissue, then immediately discard the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
- If you feel ill enough to dial 911, inform the dispatcher that you are seeking care for someone who has COVID.
- Visit the New York State Department of Health website for more information on isolation and quarantine.
Where can I find an at-home test?
At home test kits, such as the Abbot BINAX test and iHealth rapid test can be found at local pharmacies including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. Check with your health insurance company to see if you are eligible to receive reimbursement for purchasing at-home tests. Residents can also order free at-home tests from the Federal government through covid.gov/tests.
Visit the CDC for instructions on how to properly administer an at-home COVID tests: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing-videos.html
How do I report an at-home test?
Please contact your healthcare provider with questions regarding your medical care. If you took an Abbott BINAX test, please report the test results using the NAVICA app and QR codes found in the instructions. At this time, there are no other at-home tests that are capable of reporting results directly to state or local health departments. Please self-isolate and notify your contacts, including school or employer if you were present during your infectious period. An infectious period begins two days prior to symptom onset or the date of the test if you are asymptomatic. Information about isolation, including attestation paperwork you may need for school or work can be found above.
Where can I get tested?
Testing availability may change from week-to-week or even day-to-day. To find the closest testing location to you, please visit the NYS Test Site Finder website.
Many private healthcare providers in Putnam County are able to provide testing. A healthcare provider will be able to assess and if indicated, test for COVID-19, influenza or other respiratory viruses. If you have had direct contact with someone known to have tested positive with COVID-19 or have recently returned from an area with a high incidence of COVID-19, please inform your healthcare provider before you go to your appointment. Some healthcare providers are offering telemedicine visits, a virtual visit through your computer or phone.
What are signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
How do I know if I was exposed to someone with COVID-19?
As of January 2022, PCDOH is following NYSDOH and CDC guidelines regarding contact tracing.
PCDOH does not release the names of the people who have positive results. We follow HIPAA (patient privacy) regulations, which protects this information.
How do I clean for COVID-19?
CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting can be found here. Clean high touch surfaces often (e.g. tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.).
If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Products.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
How long does COVID-19 live on surfaces and in the air?
This virus can remain stable and possibly infectious for several hours to several days, depending on where it is located. On porous surfaces like cardboard it can remain up to 24 hours, and on non-porous surfaces like plastic or stainless steel it remains stable for two to three days. This stability is similar to the original SARS virus.
Source: National Institutes of Health.
Questions about COVID variants?
Click here for information about COVID variants.
Questions about Long COVID?
Click here for information about Long COVID.
If your question was not answered above, please email us at COVID19@putnamcountyny.gov or call the NYSDOH hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Complaints on facilities will not be addressed at this email address. To file a complaint, please call the Department of Health directly at 1-845-808-1390.
For mental health counseling, call the NY Project Hope Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314.