Killingworth Copes: March 30, 2020

Hello, Killingworth–

The number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases statewide shot up by almost 600 cases on Sunday. Middlesex County had 12 more, bringing the number to 50. There have now been cases reported in every town in the county except Chester.

The predictions are sobering: Connecticut is expected to reach peak need for medical resources on April 10th, with 1,532 hospital beds needed for COVID-19 patients and 186 ventilators–assuming “the continuation of strong social distancing measures and other protective measures.” Without those measures, the shortfalls and the fatalities would be expected to be much worse. With those measures, the numbers are predicted to start falling after April 10 and continue falling until there are no deaths in Connecticut from COVID-19 after May 3.

These predictions are from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. You can find many more details of the predictions here.

Building and fire code modifications. Although we respond to permit applications and schedule inspections as quickly as possible and we don’t generally push up against deadlines, please note that the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services has extended a number of deadlines. For example, the Building Official now has up to 90 days from the date of application to act on permit applications, and required periodic inspections by local fire marshals may be delayed up to 90 days from the original due date.

Killingworth Library. The library building is closed, but staff are available. If you need help logging in to your account or accessing online materials, or if you have a reference question, call 860-663-2000 or email mail@killingworthlibrary.org. A staff member is available Monday – Friday to respond to calls and emails; messages will be answered within 24 hours.

Don’t have a library card? Audio books and e-books can now be checked out without a library card. Have a card and need to see what Consumer Reports says about something you want to order? Go to the reference section of the library’s website. Do the kids miss story time at the library? Gayle Byrne is doing Saturday morning story time on the library’s new YouTube channel. Check it all out at www.killingworthlibrary.org.

Parmelee Farm. We are fortunate in Killingworth to have many places to go outside while maintaining social distance, and many people are taking advantage of our beautiful open spaces. For the sake of all who are enjoying Parmelee Farm, dogs must be kept on leash at all times, according to farm policy and town ordinance. And please pick up after your pet. The farm provides poop bags; use them!

Donations of medical resources. Although the Yale New Haven Health System does not normally accept donations of supplies and equipment, severe shortages in the face of COVID-19 have led the hospitals to seek donations of

To ensure quality and safety, all items should be in original unopened packaging. If you or your company has something to donate, email DonationsPPE@ynhh.org with the items you are offering and complete contact information. All submissions will be answered within three business days. You can also donate to the state at 211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19.

Stay home, stay safe–

Cathy