By Cathy Iino, First Selectman, Killingworth.
It’s been a while since the last coronavirus update. Unfortunately, Middlesex County is now in the “substantial risk of transmission” category for COVID. The Centers for Disease Control and the CT Department of Public Health recommend that everyone, vaccinated or not, wear masks indoors and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet.
I had hoped, when I wrote my July column for the Killingworth Krier, that we would be enjoying at least a respite from the pandemic. Unfortunately, the recent surge in cases in our area means that we must continue to adhere to safety rules in Town Hall: all visitors must wear masks, and we ask that you ring the doorbell before entering. We will also continue to hold meetings virtually for the time being. Please check the calendar at townofkillingworth.com for log-on information.
The new surge in COVID infections is the result of the Delta variant, which is far more contagious than earlier variants. Some people who have been vaccinated may still catch the disease, although, if there are symptoms, they are generally much milder. Researchers believe, however, that even vaccinated people can transmit the Delta variant, whether they have symptoms or not.
Virtually all hospitalizations and deaths from COVID are among people who are unvaccinated.
It is not too late to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Many pharmacies continue to offer the vaccine, as does the Connecticut River Health District. CRAHD has vaccination clinics Tuesdays, 2-6pm and Fridays, 8-11am. Contact them at 860-661-3300.
Vaccinations protect not only your own health but the health of the whole community, including children too young to get vaccinated yet. If you have questions about the vaccine, please don’t hesitate to contact Killingworth’s health director, Amy Scholz, healthdirector@townofkillingworth.com, or 860-663-1765, x223.
Together, we can beat down the COVID pandemic before it gets even worse.
Stay safe and carry on.
