Town of Redding
Health Department
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, CT 06875
Tel: 203-938-2559
Fax: 203-938-8816
April 21, 2020
Redding COVID-19 Update
Three Redding residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away. This reminds us that it is more important than ever that we continue our social distancing from one another and not allow ourselves to become lax with our protective measures. To be safe at this time it’s always best to assume that anyone anywhere could be infected and to continue with necessary precautions.
Cloth Face Coverings
Governor Lamont has issued an executive order that went into effect 8pm Monday April 20. It states that any person in a public place who is unable or who does not maintain a safe social distance of approximately six feet from every other person, shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering. Such masks may help slow the spread of the virus by keeping people from coughing or sneezing on others. The shortage of N95 masks continues and those available should be reserved for front-line medical professionals.
Testing
The State of Connecticut has formed a partnership with CVS Health in an initiative that will make free, rapid tests available to eligible Connecticut residents. CVS is planning to conduct 750 tests per day, seven days a week. The tests are for anyone experiencing certain COVID-19 related symptoms and risk factors as defined by CDC guidelines. All patients seeking to be tested will be required to pre-register in advance on-line. The tests will not take place at CVS Pharmacy but will be held at the former Gateway Community College parking lot (60 Sargent Drive, New Haven). To register, visit https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing. It is hoped other similar sites in the state will be set up.
Coming Out of Isolation
Persons with COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms may discontinue isolation only if they have been symptom free for at least 3 days (72hrs). Symptom free is defined as resolution of fever without fever reducing medications and improvement with cough and shortness of breath, and at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Sanitizers
The CDC warns that sanitizers that don’t contain at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol might not kill corona viruses on surfaces. Although alcohol-free sanitizers are better than nothing; a better option is to wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
Wearing Medical Gloves
When wearing medical gloves one should realize that gloves can pick up viruses just as easily as your bare hands. The key is not to touch your face with your bare hands or with a gloved hand. If you touch your face (eyes, nose, and mouth) with an unwashed hand or while wearing gloves, you have possibly introduced the germs to yourself. When you wear medical gloves you should change them often and wash your hands before putting a new pair on.
Cell Phones
Cells phones are known to have 3 times more germs than a door knob and 5 times more germs than the check-out screen at the grocery store. Cell phone companies recommend simply wiping the phone with a common disinfectant household wipe.
“Talk It Out” Hotline for Parents
Parents and caretakers in need of help with the stress from caring for their children during this crisis are invited to call the state’s new “Talk It Out” hotline. The hotline provides support from trained professionals who will listen and speak with those in need. Governor Lamont stated “Seeking help and support at times like these is a sign of strength and hope. It is normal, and we all need help at times – especially now”. The hotline is available M-F 8am-8pm and on weekends from 1pm-8pm. The number is 1-833-258-5011 or visit www.talkitoutct.com.
How We Feel App
The State has partnered with the developers of the “How We Feel” app. It’s a tool for health officials and doctors to get a better understanding of how the whole population is feeling, both healthy and sick. It takes about 30 seconds each day. The anonymous information shared has the potential to reveal outbreak hotspots and provide scientists with critical health information needed to understand the spread of COVID-19. It’s downloadable for free.
Information Sources
Governor Lamont has put out a thorough FAQ document that will most likely address questions that you might have. It can be found at: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/COVID-19-FAQs.pdf?la=en
Redding information can be found at: https://townofreddingct.org/
The CDC website is at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Connecticut Department of Public Health site is at: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus
Once again, we must “Stay Safe, Stay Home”.
The Redding Health Department
