By Cathy Iino.
Hello, Killingworth–
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to go up, and the predictions about the course of the epidemic continue to shift dramatically from day to day. If you would like to monitor the situation in Connecticut, two useful sites are
ct.gov/coronavirus. The Connecticut Department of Public Health posts the latest numbers of cases, hospitalized patients, and deaths each day around 4:00 p.m. The site also includes information about the disease, a list of the emergency orders issued by the governor and the state agencies, and general guidance on dealing with the pandemic.
covid19.healthdata.org/projections. Each day, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington updates its state-by-state projections of the course of the epidemic.
Both sites give much useful data, but they should not lead us to jump to conclusions. The reporting isn’t perfect. We know, for example, that there have been 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Killingworth, but the DPH town-by-town table shows only 1. We can also assume that there are many times more unconfirmed cases than are shown. Likewise, the projections are based on very rapidly changing data and swing wildly.
We should all use our common sense in reading these figures and in modifying our behavior to avoid getting infected or infecting others. Emergency rules and arrangements can’t cover every situation. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others; wash your hands often and thoroughly; and avoid touching your face–no matter what the rules might allow.
Transfer Station. To increase social distancing, we have put in place the following rules until further notice:
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Only trash and recyclables may be brought to the Transfer Station; no bulky waste, brush, metals, tires, etc.
- Only three vehicles will be allowed inside the Transfer Station at a time. Stop at the gate and wait until you are told to proceed.
- Staff will no longer provide assistance to residents in unloading vehicles. This is necessary to preserve social distancing.
- When you are in the Transfer Station, keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
- Don’t pull into line on Route 81. If the line of vehicles is too long, pull into the parking area at Rocco Reale field or come back later.
Please limit your visits to the Transfer Station to once a week or less, and try to go when it’s least busy–often on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. We will monitor the effects of the new measures and make adjustments as necessary.
If you are unable to handle your own trash at the Transfer Station and you are in a high-risk group for complications from COVID-19, please call Town Hall at 860-663-1765, ext. 201, and leave a message. We will try to find you some assistance in getting your trash to the Transfer Station.
Paint recycling. The Paintcares paint collection program is suspended statewide. (Killingworth True Value is the collection site here.)
Estuary Council of Seniors. The Estuary Council has changed many of its services because of the COVID-19 epidemic. For information on their current programming, including Meals on Wheels, the Senior Cafes, and medical transportation, call 860-388-1611.
Stay home, stay safe–
Cathy
Staff at Youth and Family Services of Haddam Killingworth is available to/for any person who needs help dealing with stress or anxiety or sadness or fear or anger or who needs help helping their child or spouse or others they love during this challenging time. We are local and we are here and we will respond when and if you need us. Call 860-345-7498. Anytime. We will get back to you. Stay safe HK.