By Bob McGarry, Haddam First Selectman.
“Cases are increasing very fast. There are parameters when we MAY be looking at reverting back to phase 2, and possibly going back to hybrid or all virtual learning within our schools. Transmission within the schools is not the problem. It is the gatherings outside the school day that is creating the school closings and disruptions within the school systems.” Scott Martinson, Director, CT River Area Health District (Haddam’s health district)
“… at this point we show just about as many community spread cases in the last 4 weeks (8) as we had in the previous 6 months (9). I am very concerned.” Lauren S. Gister, First Selectwoman, Chester
I share Scott and Lauren’s concerns. We all know Covid-19 cases are increasing across Connecticut. Haddam is no exception to that trend. In October we saw 11 new cases; the first double digit increase since May (13 cases). A fall and winter increase in cases was expected but it’s still troubling to see. The graph shows the number of new cases we’ve had each month since the pandemic started.
On a positive note as Scott said we haven’t seen the virus spread in the school systems. So far, only two RSD-17 students have been diagnosed with Covid-19. Both of them live in Haddam and neither was in school while they were contagious.
Contact tracing has indicated the main causes of the spread are small social activities and family gatherings. I know pandemic fatigue has set in. We’re all tired of it and want it to end. Believe me, no one wants that more than I do. But it’s just as important now as it was in the spring to be careful. Wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain social distance and keep your activities and gatherings outside as much as you can.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health launched a new weekly, color-coded COVID-19 alert system for every city and town in the state, showing the average daily case rate per 100,000 residents for the last two weeks. It’s accompanied by recommended actions for individual residents, organizations, municipal leaders and health directors. The map is updated every week and is available online.
Stay safe and support our local businesses.
