Coronavirus pg 1 3-26-20


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No face masks at local drug store. Photo by Linda Lemmon


As of March 23, Windham County now has two confirmed cases of COVID-19, both in Woodstock, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH).
As of March 23 CT has a total of 415 lab-confirmed cases. More than 4,500 tests have been conducted. Approximately 54 people are hospitalized and 10 residents have died (6 in Fairfield County, 2 in Hartford County, and 2 in Tolland County).
Due to national shortages of personal protective equipment and testing supplies, communities across the country are focusing on testing individuals who are severely ill and health care providers. In Connecticut, a doctor’s order is required for testing. Many people who display mild symptoms will not be tested. Consequently, the number of positive cases reported is a fraction of the number of true cases. “We understand the anticipation that many residents feel as they await word of confirmed cases in their towns, however, laboratory tests confirm what we already know; COVID-19 is circulating in this area.” said Susan Starkey, NDDH director of Health. “Now is the time to take action to prevent more cases. Creating physical distance between people is absolutely required to slow the spread of disease. Personal and environmental hygiene continue to be of utmost importance both inside and outside the home.”
NDDH staff will work with positive cases and potential contacts to help them prevent further spread of the disease. In addition, NDDH will continue to work with town leaders, healthcare, schools, emergency medical services and other partners to exchange information, provide education and guidance, and minimize the number of people impacted by the disease.
 “People absolutely need to keep their distance from others,” said Starkey. “The illness can spread before symptoms appear — meaning that it can be spread by people who don’t look like they are sick. Going out into the community increases the risk of bringing the disease into your home, potentially infecting you and those you love. Thanks to technology, you can stay connected and be social with others all while keeping your distance. Please, follow the governor’s instructions. Stay safe. Stay at home.”

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