The Putnam County Legislature has approved County Executive MaryEllen Odell’s request to transfer $220,000 in county funds to cover the cost of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical supplies, including protective masks, face shields, gowns and gloves, account for $150,000 of the funds requested. The remaining will go toward disinfectants and the estimated cost of cleaning county facilities when they eventually reopen.
Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services commissioner Ken Clair says it wasn't easy to get these supplies, and worked with a consortium of Hudson Valley counties to obtain protective gear for first responders, fire departments and highway departments.
Putnam County will ultimately seek federal reimbursement for all coronavirus-related county expenses and expects FEMA will pay 75 percent of all approved costs.
