NECT spike
in virus cases
COVID-19 hits
among 16 to 19-year-olds
BROOKLYN — According to data from the CT Department of Public Health, 20 northeast Connecticut residents age 16-19 years tested positive for COVID-19 between July 23 and July 31. The Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH) reports that eight of the cases were from the town of Woodstock; four from Brooklyn; three from Pomfret; two from both Eastford and Plainfield; and one from Canterbury. Only 13 cases were reported in this age-group in the previous four months. NDDH began receiving reports of these cases on July 23 and it may be linked to an out-of-state gathering. Nineteen of the cases were reported to NDDH on or after July 26.
“In addition to laboratory test results, we are collecting information from those who have been infected, their family members, and representatives from health care and the local school systems as part of our investigation,” said NDDH Director of Health Sue Starkey. “The State has been allowing businesses to open and social gatherings to take place, but everyone is still supposed to follow the Rules by wearing their masks and keeping their distance from others. Every day, we hear reports from around the country and the State that young people are taking risks by gathering together without carefully following the rules. It’s unfortunate, but it was predictable for it to eventually happen here in northeast CT.”
NDDH is actively conducting case investigations to identify sources of infection as well as potential contacts. “We urge you to answer the phone when we call,” stated Linda Colangelo, NDDH Education and Communications coordinator. “These investigations are helping us to target our prevention efforts and give people an early warning that they may be at risk. These calls are intended to save lives.”
Cases are instructed to complete a period of isolation to avoid infecting others—including family members. NDDH also conducts contact tracing to identify and speak with those who might have been exposed to those who test positive. Contacts are instructed to quarantine for 14 days. Quarantining requires separation from others while monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19.
The increase in cases in northeast CT among young people comes at a critical time as school officials are trying to make determinations about how and when to reopen schools.
“This has obvious implications for school reopening,” said Starkey. “The nation has been told that students are less likely to be infected and less likely to infect others. Clearly, young people can spread COVID-19 very quickly. We will be watching very closely to see if infections continue to spread among this age group and their contacts—including their extended families.”
Anyone under quarantine who develops symptoms is presumed to have COVID-19 and should seek guidance from their health care provider. Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 must isolate from others for a minimum of 10 days, and isolation must continue until symptoms are resolving and the individual is fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines.
“One of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to monitor everyone in your house for symptoms which may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus,” Starkey advised. “It is also important to start tracking your health now. Do you have allergy symptoms that could be mistaken for COVID-19? Are you tired every day? Are you taking certain medications that produce COVID-19-like side effects? What is your typical temperature? Knowing your baseline health will help you to recognize new symptoms that might be COVID-19. This information will help you and your health care provider make more accurate determinations about your risk.”
Symptoms include fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; and diarrhea.
To reduce risk and prevent a resurgence of COVID-19, everyone is reminded to do the following:
•    When in public, wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth.
•    Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
•    Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
•    Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
•    Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
•    Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue; throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
•    Stay home when you are sick except to get medical care.
•    Get your annual flu shot when it becomes available.
•    People 65 and over and those of any age with underlying medical conditions should stay safe and stay home.
•    Distance yourself from any places or situations where people are not following the Rules or you do not feel safe from COVID-19.
“Achieving and maintaining low rates of transmission isn’t some kind of light-hearted community challenge,” said Colangelo. “It’s about saving lives…and today, it could be yours or someone you love. Please comply with all recommended guidance and directives.”
As of July 31, there have been 374 cases reported in the district; 119 were among those living or working in institutional settings including correctional facilities and nursing homes. Excluding cases associated with institutional settings, there were 8 cases reported in the district in March;
119 in April; 65 in May; 28 in June and 35 in July.

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Commits
to PSA
Louella Allana prefers the comfort of her routine. Like really, really prefers it.
“I hate change. I am that type of person,” she said recently from her home in Laval, Canada, just outside of Montreal. “I love having everything planned out.”
She admits that it was only natural then to assume that when she left St. Laurent to further her basketball game at a school in the U.S., Winston-Salem (N.C.) Christian Academy was the only (comfortable) choice because a lot of her former teammates were there.
But then, she had an enlightening moment or two.
“I told myself that in life, nothing comes easy. Nothing comes to you on a silver platter,” Allana said. “So if I can not face adversity now, while I’m still young, the adversity I face at the next levels of my life will be even harder. For me, to challenge myself at this age right now is preparing me for an even bigger change coming up.”
And so Allana, a member of the Class of 2022, eschewed the comforts of North Carolina and committed herself to Putnam Science Academy.
“I’m most excited about being in a place that I’m not so comfortable in but trying to make it work,” said Allana, a 5-foot, 4-inch point guard. “Here in St. Laurent, we don’t have that many international students but we have such a diverse culture by being first generation here in Canada. But being able to go to Putnam Science and really seeing other people, other cultures, and adapting to it, as well as me adapting to an American culture, plus learning their game of basketball, that’s what I’m most excited about.
“That’s the main reason I decided to go to Putnam Science. I know that it’s going to be nothing that I expect but all in the best and good ways.”
Allana points to Mustangs coach Devin Hill, who will be entering his first full season at the helm after taking over midyear last year, as someone who made her feel, well, comfortable with PSA. Because she was unable to visit the school in person, Allana had to lean on technology to get a feel for the school and the program. Hill won her over.
“We were able to create relationships and what he is looking for in me, I feel like that’s what I trust the most,” she said. “His vision, his plan for the team, that’s what I trust in him.
“Again, I’m someone who likes to plan, who doesn’t like going into the unknown. For him to be so engaged in his players lives, for him to start already helping in the recruitment process without us even being in the school or playing for him yet, it just shows how much dedication and heart he has for the team and his players. I think that’s one of the things that brought me to PSA.”
Hill has talked a good deal this offseason about upgrading the talent for next season, which he admits is asking a lot considering the Mustangs finished third at last season’s national tournament. He certainly believes Allana helps them do just that. And her personality is such that Hill has had her join him on Zoom calls with other players he is recruiting.
“She’s the one everyone says the same thing: ‘I really like that kid’ or ‘I love that kid.’ Some players, it doesn’t matter what the team is, they’re going to fit in,” Hill said. “That’s Lou.
“And the other thing too is she’s really, really, really good. She is everything you want in a point guard. I can’t stress that enough. She is everything you want in a point guard. Sometimes we talk about levels and worry about (colleges) and can she play here or there. I’m telling you, I don’t care where she goes, she is going to be someone that everybody likes and she’s going to play. And I’m talking about the highest level. I don’t care. She is the total package. I’m not exaggerating with that at all.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM --- Emily Barnes, the new Putnam Saturday Farmers Market "market manager," said she is "excited to bring new ideas" to one of the top farmers markets. 
Barnes said: "Tim and Renee were great managers, and they gave their time and energy to the Market for over 9 years. I know that their efforts are greatly appreciated and I will be making sure that this stays one of the best farmers markets in our area. Many in our community depend on the market, both consumers and vendors alike, and it’s vital to keep it running smoothly and allow growth. I am currently working on expanding the variety of products offered at the Market, by bringing in some new farmers and artisans and working with current vendors for their ideas, input, and opinions."
She said "I’m excited to bring new thoughts and ideas to the Market, while also continuing some procedures and traditions from the previous market managers.
Barnes said she took the volunteer position "as I find it very important to be active in my community and help wherever possible. I was born and raised in Putnam, and feel very strongly about giving back to my town." She's come to the farmers market as often as she could, she added.
She takes market safety very seriously in these COVID-19 days. "COVID-19 has impacted the market in a few ways, and will continue to do so until restrictions are lifted by authorities and until it is safe. We have reorganized how shopping is done at the market, by turning it “inside out” - vendor spaces face outwards in the pavilion, facing the road or the river, and shoppers may enter the vendor space one at a time and do their shopping. Lines to each vendor are spaced out by markers on the pavement, to ensure proper social distancing. All guests are also asked to wear face masks, and whenever possible - we ask that they only send one family member to shop. We are adhering to the State of CT and Department of Agriculture guidelines for farmers markets, and it’s important to follow these instructions to ensure we remain open."

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