By Norm Needleman, State Senator.
I want to take a moment to recognize Teacher Appreciation Week, before I share a couple COVID-19 related and local updates including an upcoming cleanup of invasive plants and trash pickup in Haddam.
Now more than ever, teachers have earned the recognition and respect they deserve for their continued support and resolve in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through virtual learning, hybrid models and re-openings, teachers have shown drive and focus to focus on their students during the COVID-19 pandemic, making sure today’s youth receives the education they deserve. For now and in the future, teachers have earned extensive recognition for their drive and determination in serving their students.
Reminder: Uber Offering Free Rides to Vaccine Sites
The United Way of Connecticut and Community Health Centers have partnered with Uber to provide Connecticut residents with transportation to vaccination appointments, donating 30,000 free rides to support those with limited access to transportation. Connecticut residents in need of transportation can call the COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, which will provide callers with a promotional code worth up to four total trips to and from vaccine sites. For assistance, please call 877-918-2224 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. any day of the week.
Farmworker Vaccination Clinics
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is collaborating with the Department of Labor and Department of Public Health to expand vaccination availability for farmworkers, including seasonal and migrant workers, to reduce their risk of COVID-19. Farms interested in holding mobile vaccination clinics are asked to fill out a form at this link, with one form per farm location. Vaccine clinics will be staffed by health care organizations and representatives will contact farms to continue scheduling. Not all applicants will receive on-farm clinics, but those who do not will receive direction to nearby mobile vaccination sites. The clinics will be free to all with no cost. Clinics will not ask for insurance or identification. Responses will be accepted through May 10 at 5 p.m.
As Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Resumes Use, Officials Encourage Its Safety
As the Centers for Disease Control and Protection and Food and Drug Administration recently restarted use of the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the Department of Public Health encouraged those interested in receiving that vaccine to pursue it, as its health benefits are significantly stronger than the risks of its use. After extended research, while the vaccine has caused blood clots in some recipients, only 15 cases of blood clots were discovered among 6.8 million doses – the associated risk rate is 1 in roughly 453,000. All blood clotting cases were found in women under the age of 60, and recipients in that age group will receive updated guidance upon receiving the vaccine. The known and potential benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks, especially noticeable as the state’s COVID-19 case, hospitalization and death rates have declined as vaccinations increase.
The risks of hospitalization with COVID-19 are roughly 1 in 100, while the risks of complications from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are 1 in nearly 500,000 while risk of hospitalization after receiving it plummets. That correlation shows the effectiveness of the vaccines and the value in their use.
Invasive Plant Cleanup and Trash Pickup at Haddam Meadows State Park – May 8
On Saturday, May 8, a spring cleanup of invasive plants and trash pickup event will be held at Haddam Meadows State Park. Attendees must register ahead of time by emailing cherylczuba@comcast.net. Attendees will be expected to socially distance, with masks required when within six feet of those not in the same household. Participants are asked to meet in the middle picnic area. The event will include removing oriental bittersweet and other invasive species in addition to picking up litter. Organizers recommend dressing for weather, wearing waterproof boots and preparing by bringing garden tools, insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snacks and first aid supplies. In case of rain, the event has a rain date of May 15.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Reminder – Opens May 12
The Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Households at or below 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines; participating in assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid or Lifeline; approved to receive free and reduced-price school lunch program benefits; received a Pell Grant; experienced substantial loss of income since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the household had total income at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or meeting criteria for existing low-income or COVID-19 programs.
The program will open for enrollment on May 12, 2021; eligible households can enroll through their provider or visit https://getemergencybroadband.org.
