Putnam County is now offering free rapid COVID-19 testing for residents.  Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell says the tests are being offered a walk-in basis at the Paladin Center in Carmel seven days a week from 10am to 6pm.  The site will be open exclusively to school children from 6am to 9am on weekdays.  The children must attend schools in Putnam County.  In the new year, local school districts will also be able to implement Test to Stay, a testing strategy that enables close contacts to avoid school quarantines.  Local implementation plans and policies must align with the guidance from the  state health department and are still being developed.