Putnam County Drive Thru Test sites closed due to cold weather.

Putnam County's Drive-Thru Covid testing sites at the Paladin Center in Carmel and the Philisptown Recreation Center closed today and will re-open on Thursday January 13, 2022

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 away, at SUNY Purchase in Westchester. That site just opened on Friday, Jan. 7. 

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. Putnam County entered into an expanded public/private partnership with Ambulnz and opened the testing sites in Carmel and Philipstown, which are 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.”

“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 (with Ambulnz) is how government should work.” 

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