By Cathy Iino, Killingworth First Selectman.
Hello, Killingworth–
Connecticut and our neighbor Rhode Island are the only two states in the country with declining rates of coronavirus infection. Connecticut’s “positivity rate”–the percentage of people tested who are found to have been infected–is now below 1 percent.
The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that 4.94 percent of the state’s population is positive for COVID-19 antibodies. That is, six times as many people in the state have had the disease as are included in the reported counts. The conclusion is based on a survey that included five other locales around the United States; for the others, COVID-19 counts were found to be 11 to 24 times higher than reported counts.
What does it all mean? It means that the precautions we have been taking–the social distancing, the masks, the limited interactions with others–have been effective. We can see what has happened in states that have failed to take these measures: cases are increasing faster than ever and hospitals are being overwhelmed.
Of course, Connecticut is not an island; these trends in other states affect us as well. Quarantines for people traveling into the Connecticut from states with high infection rates, delays in our reopening plans, and increased stress on our medical system and supply chains are some of the ways the national trends affect us.
Transfer Station. The Transfer Station will be closed this Saturday, July 4, for Independence Day, but after that we are adjusting operations to improve availability. Starting on July 11, we will once again accept all categories of trash, including bulky waste and brush, on Saturdays, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. We will, however, continue to limit the number of vehicles that may enter at a time, so be prepared for possible delays.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm, we will continue to accept solid waste and recyclables only. Wednesdays, 3:00 – 6:00 pm, we will accept only bulky waste, brush, and metals; you may also get wood chips during that time. If you can get to the Transfer Station during the week, you may find it less crowded.
Remember:
- Minimize your trips to the Transfer Station to prevent congestion there.
- Wear a mask if you can, for your own safety and that of others.
- Use both lanes when entering the Transfer Station.
Hazardous waste collection. A record number of Killingworth residents brought waste to the household hazardous waste collection in May. Good work! Further collections are scheduled for July 11, Aug 8, Sept 19, and Oct 31, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Essex Transfer Station. Complete details here.
RiverCOG–the council of governments to which we belong–runs the collections, and they are looking for volunteers to help with them. Social distancing rules are strictly followed, and that means more workers are needed. If you would be interested in volunteering please email Janice Ehle/Meyer.
Tax payments. Because of the pandemic, we urge everyone to pay their tax bill by mail or on line. You may mail a check to Tax Collector, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT 06419. Payments may also be made on line. If you pay using a debit card or credit card, the fee is 2.5 percent of your payment, but note that if you pay online using an e-check, the fee is only $2.50. You may also put your payment in the drop box located next to the main door of Town Hall. If you must pay in person, please call the tax collector at 860-663-1765, x 508 to make an appointment.
If you would like a receipt for your tax payment, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Stay safe and carry on–
Cathy
