By Cathy Iino.
Hello, Killingworth–
Saturday night I said that the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation expected Connecticut to reach peak need for medical resources for COVID-19 patients on April 10th; by this morning, that prediction had changed to April 13, and the peak number of ventilators needed was predicted to be 165, down from 186. It is too early to tell, but if we are really lucky this would be a sign that we are beginning to flatten the curve. We need to be ever more vigilant against spreading the disease if we are to make this a real trend. The daily count of deaths from COVID-19 is still rising, and is predicted to be over 400 by the summer. That’s a frightening number.
Killingworth Ambulance Association. Middlesex Hospital has changed its protocols for transport of patients. If the ambulance takes you to Middlesex Hospital or its satellite clinic, you will be put in a surgical mask regardless of your symptoms or the reason for your hospital visit. Even if you have a broken toe, you and the EMTs that enter the hospital with you will still need to wear masks.
This will significantly increase the KAA’s use of masks. If anyone has any surgical masks or N95 masks, please consider donating them to the Ambulance Association.
So many members of our community are, as always, stepping forward to help. Here are a few of the ongoing efforts:
Lions Club food drive. The Killingworth Lions have mobilized to help the Backpack Program and Helping Hands. They will be collecting non-perishable food, grocery store cards, and cash at Recycle Way on Tuesdays and Thursday, 2-6 pm, and Saturdays, 8am-12 noon, at least through April 11. To keep everyone safe, you will be asked to exit your car and place food donations directly in cardboard boxes on the table. Cash and gift card donations can be placed directly in a fishing net that can be extended to your vehicle window. The Lions will stay at least six feet from you and your car and will be handling only the boxes, and the fishing net, with gloves. All donations will be sanitized by the Backpack Program/Helping Hands before being given to others.
Community Foundation of Middlesex County is launching a Live Local Give Local Emergency Fund Grants Program, which will support nonprofit organizations, schools, and local town services in Middlesex County.
The program will focus on meeting needs for new, increased, or changed programs or services that support people, organizations, or communities affected by COVID-19. There is no submission deadline; grants will be made as long as funding is available.
Two general information sessions have been scheduled using ZOOM. Click the day for the meeting details: Wednesday, April 1 at 2:00 p.m. or Thursday, April 2 at 2:00 p.m. Attendance is not required in order to apply.
Face Masks. The demand for hand-sewn face masks is growing, from health care professionals and others who are working with particularly vulnerable individuals such as seniors. Keep sewing, mask makers! If you are having trouble finding elastic, some alternatives are hair elastics or even rings cut from old socks or tights. I’ll keep passing along ideas as I hear them.
Masks may be deposited in the bin inside the back door of town hall.
Stay home, stay safe–
Cathy
