By Cathy Iino.
Hello, Killingworth–
In the last ten days, 274 new confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in Middlesex County, bringing the total to 448. The official number of coronavirus-related deaths rose to 37. In Killingworth, we now have 9 confirmed cases, including 2 deaths, and several other people with symptoms who did not get tested. No doubt there are more of us who have been infected.
The latest research findings suggest that COVID-19 may be most contagious a day or two before symptoms appear. That makes it all the more important to keep social distancing. Someone who seems healthy may be transmitting the disease, or we ourselves could be transmitting it without knowing it.
Faced with a continuing increase in the number of cases statewide, Governor Lamont has issued Executive Order 7BB, which does two things. It postpones the presidential primary to August 11. And it requires everyone in a public place where they are exposed to others to cover their mouth and nose with a face-covering. The rule goes into effect Monday evening at 8:00 p.m., but really, we should all be doing this already. If you are going to be within 6 feet of another person, wear a mask! If you ride in a taxi or a ride-sharing car, wear a mask! If you go to a store, wear a mask! (But, please, don’t go to a store if you are over 60; call 860-663-1765, ext. 201, and we will get someone to go for you.) Some exceptions are children under age 2, children in childcare settings, and people who have a medical condition that warrants against using a mask.
Stimulus payments. The IRS is beginning to send out stimulus payments, and now there are on-line tools that allow you to request or track your payment. If the IRS does not have tax information on you and you do not need to file a 2019 tax return, you can sign up at Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here.
If you do pay taxes, click on Filers: Get My Payment to check the status of your stimulus check and whether the IRS needs more information from you, including bank account information.
Virtual Meetings. The town is now set up to hold virtual meetings of its boards and commissions. This week, the Board of Selectmen will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20; the Board of Finance will meet at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, and Thursday, April 23; the Inland Wetlands and Waterways Commission will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21; and the Public Health Agency will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22. Information on how to “attend” the meetings on line or by phone will be available at townofkillingworth.com at least 24 hours before the meeting. Click on “Calendar” and then on the meeting you are interested in.
Appreciation. Killingworth Lions Les and Nancy Gorski put up this lovely sign at Recycle Way expressing what many of us feel: profound gratitude to all those who are working in one way or another to get us through this health crisis, and especially to those who put their own health at risk in serving the rest of us. Not only first responders and health professionals but also caregivers, delivery people, grocery store employees and others working in essential roles: thank you with all our hearts.
Stay home, stay safe–
Cathy
