By Norm Needleman, State Senator.
(Jan. 8, 2021) — Every day, more people across our state and our country are receiving doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a sign for optimism and hope. However, there are still thousands of people testing positive for the virus every day as well, with more than 1,000 people hospitalized statewide and dozens of deaths every day.
It’s vitally important that we continue to try to protect ourselves and our families, friends and neighbors. This week, I did not attend the opening ceremonies and swearing-in ceremony at the State Capitol because, out of an abundance of caution, I was awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test and did not want to put my colleagues and friends at risk. I am happy to report I have tested negative for COVID-19 and look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the 33rd District.
Until the COVID-19 vaccine is readily available, and you can gain protection through a shot in the arm, I implore everyone to remain steadfast in protecting themselves and others. Wear masks. Stay home if you’re sick. Use proper hygiene, stay socially distanced and use common sense. There will be a better day soon, but in the meantime, we must work together to slow the spread of the virus.
More Than 100,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered in Connecticut
As of January 7, Connecticut has administered 99,929 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and 1,805 second doses, resulting in more than 100,000 total doses administered in the last month. This ranks Connecticut sixth nationally in the percent of individuals receiving at least one dose, with the state ranking first in that metric among states with populations of at least 2 million people. State nursing homes will finish their first round of doses tomorrow. The state also said roughly 85 to 100 percent of nursing home residents, 40 to 50 percent of nursing home staff and 50 to 70 percent of healthcare workers have agreed to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Two Cases of COVID-19 Variant Confirmed in Connecticut
Public health officials announced that the first two cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 have been detected in the state. This is the same variant initially discovered in the United Kingdom. The two individuals who contracted this virus are between the ages of 15 and 25. Both reside in New Haven County and both recently traveled outside of Connecticut- one to Ireland and one to New York State. Both developed symptoms within 3 to 4 days of their return. Genetic sequencing of the virus has confirmed that the two cases are unrelated.
The U.K. variant of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.1.7) is widely assumed to be associated with increased transmission and it is associated with a steep rise in COVID-19 cases in the U.K. It is not, however, assumed to be more deadly, nor is it expected that it will have a significant impact on vaccine effectiveness. Personal protective measures, such as mask wearing and distancing in public, will still limit the spread of the variant.
Study Indicates COVID-19 Vaccines Effective Against Virus Variants
There have been concerns in recent weeks that two mutated variants of COVID-19 discovered respectively in the United Kingdom and South Africa could have a dampening effect on the COVID-19 vaccine, currently in early steps of distribution, that would make the vaccine less effective. Thankfully, research conducted by vaccine producer Pfizer, surveying the vaccine’s efficacy against the mutations in the new virus variants, found the vaccine still neutralizes them effectively. The results are still preliminary and studies are ongoing, but researchers are confident the mutations will not impact the continued rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.
One-Third Of State Activates COVID Alert CT
More than one million mobile devices have downloaded the COVID Alert CT app, which tracks Bluetooth location information to anonymously inform users they may have been exposed to COVID-19. That represents roughly one-third of the state’s population, one of the highest activation rates in the country. If a user is in close proximity with someone who reports a positive COVID-19 test, meaning within six feet for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period, they will be anonymously informed and prompted to contact contact tracers or other professionals. Google and Apple, who collaborated to help launch the app, report public health benefits are realized when 15 percent of a population activates it.
New York Times Names East Haddam ‘Place To Love In 2021”
This week, the New York Times named East Haddam one of its favorite places in the article “52 Places To Love In 2021”! We all know the beauty of the Swing Bridge and the lovely rolling hillsides and banks of the Connecticut River; now, readers the world over can learn what we’re happy to see every day! After the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, this article may even spur tourism, helping the local economy! I’d like to thank Caley Millen-Pigliucci, formerly from East Haddam, for her lovely words lauding her hometown featured in the article.
Adult Crisis Telephone Intervention and Options Network Launched
The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services recently partnered with the United Way of Connecticut to launch the Adult Telephone Intervention and Options Network, or ACTION, line for adults experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis requiring immediate response. This line is answered by staff trained to offer support and resources to individuals in distress including telephonic support, referrals to community services, potential transfer to local mobile crisis teams, or if necessary, potential transfer to 911 emergency services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call 211 or 1-800-HOPE-135 (1-800-467-3135). The line operates 24/7/365.
Department of Agriculture Protects More Than 1,000 Acres of Farmland in 2020
The state Department of Agriculture’s Farmland Preservation Program permanently protected 13 farms and more than 1,000 acres of farmland last year, an accomplishment shared through partnerships with the Connecticut Farmland Trust, the United States Department of Agriculture, municipalities, land trusts and farm families. Farms in nine different towns across the state were protected, important as the state’s agricultural industry generates $4 billion annually for the state’s economy.
Farmland Restoration Program Application Deadline January 15
The state Department of Agriculture normally accepts applications for its Farmland Restoration Program year-round, but to streamline the process, a new deadline of January 15 is now official. This voluntary program aims to restore lands into active agricultural production to increase food and fiber production in Connecticut by improving it with prime and important farmland soil. Each application can qualify for reimbursement payments of up to $20,000. Please click here for more information; applications must be sent to Agr.Grants@ct.gov by the end of January 15.
January Is National Radon Action Month
The state Department of Public Health recently reminded residents that January is National Radon Action Month, and to remain safe, residents should check their homes for radon gas. More than 21,100 deaths from lung cancer each year could be avoided with a greater focus on this health hazard. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter homes from surrounding soil and become a health hazard inside buildings. Around Connecticut, 33 health departments and districts have received more than 2,000 free test kits for distribution in local communities. Visit www.ct.gov/radon to check eligibility for a test; they can also be bought at local hardware stores or at www.lung.org.
Town of Haddam Not Taking Waste Oil
Citing a backlog of waste oil to be disposed of, the Haddam Transfer Station will no longer accept waste oil until further notice, as there is no ability for them to send it for disposal. There are no exceptions to this.
