Putnam Coronavirus Update: Death Toll Rose By 14 In January

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — In Putnam County, the coronavirus killed 14 people between Dec. 28 and Jan. 28, according to data released by county health officials Wednesday.

The county's death toll from the pandemic now stands at 81.

There were 18 people hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Jan. 28, slightly fewer than the number of people hospitalized this time in December. State and local officials have said the surge in cases due to the holidays has largely subsided in New York.

Putnam officials are tracking 394 active cases, slightly fewer than last month. Putnam's positivity rate is in line with the other six counties in the Hudson region.

The Putnam County Health Department continues to vaccinate essential workers per state guidelines.

“The supply is still limited, but the good news is that the federal government said it will increase New York State’s vaccine supply by 20 percent for the next three weeks,” County Executive MaryEllen Odell said. “We expect that will soon translate into more vaccine for Putnam County residents.”

The health department just received a shipment of 900 doses for second-dose use. It will run a clinic for people getting second doses in Carmel on Thursday, and has plans for two more second-dose PODs next week, one in Carmel on Monday and the other in Philipstown on Feb. 11.

“We would like our health department to be able to vaccinate senior citizens,” Odell said. “We get emails every day from seniors who don’t understand the complicated system the state has set up. They beg us to help them get vaccinated, but our hands are tied. It’s heartbreaking. The counties need more flexibility in order to serve our residents.”