By Cathy Iino, First Selectman, Killingworth.
(Jan. 10, 2021) — We all hoped that in 2021 we could begin to move beyond the fear, constraints, and uncertainty of last year. We are not there yet. Our national community has been threatened by those who reject the democratic institutions and procedures necessary to preserve it. Our local community is threatened by a pandemic that prevents us from gathering in accustomed ways. Neither of these threats is behind us. Now, more than ever, we have to renew our commitment to an America that is strong enough to endure political disputes and honor the truth. Now, more than ever, we have to help each other stay strong, healthy, and connected.
Killingworth’s COVID numbers are climbing, along with those of the state as a whole. We have had a total of 176 confirmed cases. Our rate of infection per 100,000 went up, over the last two weeks, to 49.3. Five Killingworth residents have died of the disease.
Our health director, Amy Scholz, reaches out to all residents with positive cases to try to determine where they contracted COVID and who they could have transmitted it to. Because we are a small town, she has been able to stay abreast of our cases, and she reports that she is receiving good cooperation from those she has contacted. (Many thanks to those of you who have spoken with her!) According to Amy, transmission has mostly been within families or small gatherings of friends.
As you may have heard, the new, more easily transmitted variant of the coronavirus has been identified in Connecticut. State health authorities say that they cannot do genetic testing on every positive case; people contracting the disease now should assume that they have the more contagious strain and be extra vigilant about quarantining. We should all continue to wear our masks and maintain our distance from others, outdoors or in.
The good news is that the Connecticut River Area Health District has been administering the vaccine to first responders, medical personnel, and others since the end of December, and many of our KVFC and KAA members have gotten their first dose. I am grateful to Director Scott Martinson for the exemplary clinics CRAHD has been running. He reports, “We can do 30 vaccinations an hour, where most others are doing only 5-6 an hour.” CRAHD is prepared to deliver as many doses as it receives.
Priority workforce COVID tests. Teachers and school support staff (including bus drivers), early childhood/child care professionals, police officers, fire fighters, paramedics/EMTs, National Guard, and dispatchers are now given priority at COVID test sites. Depending on the site, priority service may be through extended hours, separate lanes, or personal scheduling support. Check individual tests sites at 211ct.org.
Support Killingworthies in need of food assistance. Our Helping Hands food pantry is serving more families than ever, thanks to the Killingworth Women’s Organization. Kelly Leach, who is leading the KWO’s efforts, reports that the pantry is currently low on coffee, tea (regular and herbal), shelf stable milk, canned fruit, paper towels, butter, oatmeal, juices, toilet paper, and toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, razors, soap, shave cream, toothpaste and toothbrushes). The HK Backpack Program, headed by Amber Stamm, is in need of shelf-stable milk, instant oatmeal, fruit cups, soup, and plastic sandwich bags. Donations for both organizations may be left in the bin by the door of the Center Schoolhouse, at the traffic circle.
Nationwide COVID-19 memorial. Cities and towns around the country will be lighting up their buildings and ringing church bells at 5:30 p.m. on January 19 to honor the memory of those who have died from the coronavirus. A ceremony will be held at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington.
Stay safe and carry on.
