Needleman: Supporting Small Businesses and Employment Opportunity, Upcoming Road Work

By Norm Needleman, State Senator

(Sept. 16, 2021) — Please take a minute to read an update regarding COVID-19, plus a couple resources and developments related to Connecticut businesses.

Also, here are a couple local and regional updates:

• Connecticut River Area Health District Flu Vaccine Clinics: On Thursdays beginning September 30, the Connecticut River Area Health District, located at 455 Boston Post Road, Suite 7 in Old Saybrook, will offer flu vaccinations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointments are needed; masks are required, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Please bring an insurance card and state ID. The clinic accepts a number of insurances, and children 18 and younger can receive vaccinations at no cost. Without insurance, regular doses will cost $35 and senior doses will cost $65, with cash or check payable to CRAHD. With questions, call 860-661-3300 or email ccollier@crahd.net
• Free Open Trails Days Through I-Park: The I-Park Foundation, Inc. in East Haddam will hold Open Trails days the first Saturdays of October and November, October 2 and November 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pets are not allowed on the I-Park grounds. The I-Park Foundation is located at 428 Hopyard Road in East Haddam. These events stand to be family friendly opportunities to enjoy the colors, weather and beauty of Connecticut’s autumn.

Upcoming Bridge Inspections & Road Work

Haddam Bridge Inspection to Divert Traffic on Bridge Road

From September 20 to 24, the Department of Transportation will conduct bridge inspections on Route 82 over the Connecticut River and lane closures will be implemented. Work is expected those days from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with traffic control in place for motorists.

Milling and Resurfacing On Route 81 In Haddam

The Department of Transportation will perform a milling and resurfacing project on Route 81 in Haddam from October 1 through October 26 under current scheduling. The project involves milling and resurfacing a 5.7-mile segment of Route 81 in Haddam, with milling scheduled for Friday, October 1 through Friday, October 15, followed by resurfacing from Sunday, October 17 to Tuesday, October 26. Motorists should expect lane closures from the Haddam/Killingworth town line to Route 154 in Haddam, with traffic control and signs used to guide motorists. Work will be performed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should be aware weather delays or other changes may extend or change the project schedule and are reminded to remain alert and drive carefully around road work.

Supporting Small Business & Employment Opportunity

Middlesex County Career Fair October 13 In Cromwell – Seeking Employers

The Middlesex County Career Fair will be held Wednesday, October 13 at the Courtyard by Marriot, 4 Sebethe Drive, in Cromwell from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The career fair will welcome those seeking employment, whether they’re looking for work or interested in a new career, and is also seeking employers to register. A dozen employers have already been confirmed to attend. Any businesses seeking employees can register for the career fair at www.middlesexchamber.com/careerfair or email sandra@middlesexchamber.com.

Supporting Local Small Businesses During Small Business Week

National Small Business Week continues through the end of this week, and I encourage everyone to shop local at one of the many small businesses that make our communities thrive. I’ve compiled a series of links to help you find local small businesses – who knows, you may find your new favorite restaurant or local store!

• Chester: https://www.visitchesterct.com/
• Clinton Chamber of Commerce Business Directory: https://www.clintonct.com/listing/
• Colchester Business Association: https://colchesterctbusiness.com/find-a-business/wpbdp_category/member/
• Deep River: https://www.deeprivermerchants.com/merchant-directory/
• Essex: http://essexct.com/member-directory/
• Haddam: https://us-business.info/directory/haddam-ct/
• Middlesex Chamber of Commerce: https://www.middlesexchamber.com/our-towns/
• Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce: https://www.oldsaybrookchamber.com/list
• Portland Town Business Directory: https://www.portlandct.org/business

COVID-19

New Statistics from Yale-New Haven Health On COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthroughs

Last week, Yale-New Haven Health professionals detailed the latest COVID-19 vaccination breakthrough information they’ve collected. As of Thursday, September 9, they said, 6% of COVID-19 admissions are among fully individuals, the majority of those cases in older patients or those with compromised immune systems. Those patients often have additional comorbidities. Because Yale-New Haven Health tests all incoming patients for COVID-19, around 30% of all patients who are hospitalized and test positive for COVID-19 have been vaccinated; however, of that 30%, 80%, or four out of every five, do not exhibit symptoms and are seeking care for other health issues, only learning they are COVID-19 positive because testing is required for the virus. Those patients do not need care for the virus, as their vaccinations have primed their immune systems and prevented further health consequences.

COVID-19 Infection Numbers Continue to Support Efficacy of Vaccinations

The latest figures released by the Department of Public Health regarding community transmission of COVID-19 continues to show the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines currently available.

In the most recent week of data available as of September 16, of the 2,627 cases reported during that week, 1,848, or 70.3%, of cases were among people who were not fully vaccinated, while 779 were in fully vaccinated people. With Connecticut’s 67% vaccination rate among those eligible, that means that 33% of residents who are unvaccinated are responsible for 7 in every 10 cases, while the two-thirds who are vaccinated are responsible for one in three.

That correlates with statistics reported by the state – compared to being vaccinated, an unvaccinated person faces a five-times higher risk of being infected with COVID-19, a six-times higher risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19 and an eight-times higher risk of dying from COVID-19. If you or a loved one are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19, please contact a trusted medical professional to receive more information about the COVID-19 vaccinations currently available.