Putnam Coronavirus: County Preps To Vaccinate Those Age 50+

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Starting Wednesday, New Yorkers age 50 and older will be eligible for a coronavirus vaccine.

SEE: NY Kicks Off Faith-Based Vaccine Network, Lowers Age Eligibility

The Putnam County Health Department plans to hold a first-dose vaccine clinic Wednesday in Philipstown. A place to register for appointments has been posted on the county website.

Putnam officials reported one person died in the past week from COVID-19, bringing the county's death toll since March 2020 to 89.

While the 7-day average of positive coronavirus cases is just 3.3 percent statewide, the Hudson region has a higher caseload. Putnam's rolling average positive test rate is 5.1.

The supply of vaccine is rising rapidly. In the Hudson region, 9,606 people were vaccinated in the past 24 hours, according to state health officials. In New York, 5.3 million people have already received at least one dose of vaccine.

However, the state's large distribution network and population of eligible individuals still exceed the supply coming from the federal government. New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

Meanwhile, Putnam officials remind residents of the current guidance for gatherings.

• Movie Theaters: 25 percent capacity, up to 50 people
• In Person/Catered Events: 50 person non-residential social gathering, or up to 50 percent capacity Maximum of 150 people with testing; No difference between indoor/outdoor events
• Indoor Dining: Increase to 75 percent capacity
• Residential Social Gatherings: Indoor limit remains at 10 persons; Outdoor limit increases from 10 to 25 persons
• Public Social Gatherings: Indoor Limit increases from 50 to 100; Outdoor Limit increases from 50 to 200; All social distancing requirements remain in effect
• Gyms/Fitness Centers: Permits localities to allow indoor fitness classes, subject to meeting state guidance requirements
• Family Entertainment Centers/Places of Public Amusement: Indoor places increase to 25 percent as of March 26; outdoor places increase to 33 percent as of April 9
• Recreational Sports Travel: Can resume as of March 29
• Outdoor Performing Venues with 2500 capacity: Can open up to 25 percent capacity on April 1
• Professional Sporting Events: As of April 1, indoor venues can open at 10 percent capacity and outdoor venues can open at 20 percent capacity Testing required for both
• Events, Arts and Entertainment Venues under 10,000 person seating: As of April 2, indoor limit increases to 33 percent capacity up to 100 people; indoor venues can go up to 150 people with proof of negative COVID test. Outdoors, the limit increases to 33 percent capacity up to 200 people; outdoor venues can go up to 500 people with proof of negative COVID test