April 29, 2020
Redding COVID-19 Update
Seven Redding residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died. The need to social distance from one another continues. It’s best to assume that anyone could be infected and to continue with necessary precautions.
Cloth Face Coverings
When in a public place do your best to stay six feet from others and cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering. Here’s a video showing you how to make your own: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4. Such masks may help slow the spread of the virus by keeping people from coughing or sneezing on others.
Masks for Essential Small Businesses
The State of Connecticut has partnered with CBIA-CONNSTEP to assist in the distribution of donated surgical masks to eligible, essential small business with 50 employees or less. The list of essential small businesses is here: https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Business-Exemptions-for-Coronavirus. Requests can be made on the CBIA-CONNSTEP Portal at the following link: https://www.ctcovidresponse.org/ct-smb-surgical-mask-requests. Due to lack of supply it is recommended that small businesses and employees that have limited contact with the public are strongly urged to create their own masks following CDC guidelines.
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.
“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
