Updated
NDDH info on Covid-19
The Northeast District Department of Health has updated its information on COVID -19 and general seasonal information. All in one place!
Local Overview
Local testing data show that COVID-19 is taking hold in northeast CT. We are in a different phase than the central and western parts of the state – as their numbers are decreasing, ours are increasing. While our numbers are significantly lower than the rest of the state, we know they can quickly rise if we stop social distancing strategies. The combination of people wanting to enjoy the warmer weather and their desire to return to “normal” as the State inches toward re-opening will continue to pose a risk of increased spread if restrictions are relaxed too soon.
CT COVID-19 Data Tracking Map – For positive cases, deaths, and more. Click on “Cases per Day” tab to see a time elapse of coronavirus cases in CT: https://connecticut.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/052f57eabb654d59a217885918065417
According to a study by the Harvard Global Health Institute, Connecticut would have to perform 17,614 tests per day to prepare to re-open after May 1. STAT Article and maps on testing shortages: https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/27/coronavirus-many-states-short-of-testing-levels-needed-for-safe-reopening/
Anticipated Re-Opening of CT
We recognize that economic health is important to physical and mental health. Like many businesses, NDDH is awaiting updates on State plans to reopen Connecticut. Once we know the specific requirements, we can help answer questions and provide guidance. For now, we suggest that all businesses and workplaces turn to the following sites for recommendations that will certainly help everyone to prepare to reopen and operate safely:
Guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Interim Reopening Guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
CDC Reopening Cleaning and Disinfecting Tool: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/pdf/ReOpening_America_Cleaning_Disinfection_Decision_Tool.pdf
CDC Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/pdf/Reopening_America_Guidance.pdf
A tool to assist employers in making decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to protect vulnerable workers. It is important to check with state and local health officials and other partners to determine the most appropriate actions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/fs-reopening-america-workers-at-risk.pdf
Rules in Connecticut
CT Dept. of Economic and Community Development (DECD): Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers:
https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Safe-Workplace-Rules-for-Essential-Employers
CT DECD Safe Store Rules (Retail):https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Essential-Safe-Store-Rules
Find additional resources at the CT Recovers Website: https://portal.ct.gov/ctrecovers
Proper Use of Masks
As more surgical masks become available and are distributed to essential employees and the general public, it is important to use them properly. Masks alone cannot protect you from COVID-19. They must be used together with social distancing (6 foot rule) and frequent hand hygiene. Surgical masks were intended for one-time use, but due to shortages, extended use and re-use is recommended. Surgical masks should be discarded if soiled, damaged, or become hard to breathe through. This will vary per individual and their environment.
World Health Organization Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Surgical Masks:
https://www.who.int/images/default-source/health-topics/coronavirus/risk-communications/general-public/protect-yourself/infographics/masks-infographic—final.tmb-1920v.png
Video – A Sarasota Memorial Hospital RN shows proper putting on (donning), taking off (doffing), and storing of a surgical mask:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=JwPWdkbyizw&feature=emb_logo
Video – What Face Masks Actually Do Against Coronavirus:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P27HRClMf2U&feature=youtu.be
Video- How to make your own cloth face covering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4
Six New Symptoms of COVID-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
How We Feel app
Data collected from the How We Feel app is used to better understand if COVID-19 illness is emerging in a community and helps to predict emerging hot-spots. How We Feel lets you anonymously self-report your age, sex, ZIP code, and any health symptoms you experience in just seconds. Download the app and join nearly 60,000 CT users who are helping to provide invaluable information in identifying, understanding, and ultimately controlling the spread of coronavirus in Connecticut. https://howwefeel.org/.
Seasonal Preparedness
Life goes on despite the pandemic. Here are resources for seasonal issues:
Hurricane Preparedness (Hurricane season is June 1 - November 30): https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes#prepare
Ticks - Infected blacklegged ticks that can transmit Lyme Disease are most active in the spring and fall. Don’t get bit…avoid the tick:
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
Rabies – Now that humans are venturing outdoors, the likelihood of encountering an animal that is unfamiliar to you increases. If it’s a stray, stay away! https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html
Check frequently for additional information and updated guidance:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
State of CT: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus General questions: 2-1-1
NDDH: https://www.nddh.org/services/emergency-preparedness/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/
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Last player
commits to
Div. I college
Johnnie Williams IV was the last Putnam Science Academy prep basketball player to commit to a Division I college for the fall. But he is certainly not the least.
Not after all he has been through — including the tragic death of his father when Williams was just 8, the splitting up of his family just before the start of his senior year of high school in Sarasota, Fla., and the stretch of nights where he had nowhere to live.
Not after serving essentially as a practice player for the Mustangs’ first 30 games or so of the season before forcing his way into the rotation and then eventually the starting lineup and averaging 9.9 points per game over the last 11 games (second-best on the team), including a four-game stretch when he scored 19, 14, 17, and 16 points.
Williams announced May 5 that he will attend the University of Louisiana-Monroe, thus becoming the 10th PSA player from this year’s team to commit to a Division I program.
A 6-foot, 6-inch shooting guard, Williams said he chose ULM because “their style fits great with my game. I’m looking forward to the competition. I feel excited and very blessed to have the opportunity to play high-level basketball.”
Williams admits that the season wasn’t easy for him but he never doubted a scholarship to a Division I school was out of reach.
“Since the beginning I had enough faith in myself and carried a chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I never lost faith in myself and never stopped praying to God.”
Williams, a terrific shooter and a high-energy defender, could certainly make an immediate impact, and should have the chance to do so. The Warhawks struggled this past season, their 9-20 mark including a 5-15 finish in the Sun Belt Conference.
“I think Louisiana-Monroe is going to love this kid from the minute he walks on campus,” said PSA coach Tom Espinosa. “I said it before and I’ll say it again…I’ve never coached a kid like Johnnie Williams before. Every other kid would have shut it down if they were in his position. But to his credit, Johnnie kept coming to practice and worked his tail off, and when we called on him, he was ready. He was huge for us.
“I’ve never had a kid not have a role on the team for 25, 30 games, whatever it was, and then all of a sudden do what he did for us. It’s a testament to the type of person Johnnie Williams is.”
When Williams got to PSA, he was grateful for the bed to sleep in and the three meals that were prepared for him every day. And he was of course grateful for the chance to keep playing basketball.
“PSA has helped me not only on the court but off it,” he said. “I became not only a better player but a better student and a better man in life. I thank PSA dearly with all my heart and PSA will always have a place in my heart.”
Williams joins Hassan Diarra (Texas A&M), Mekhi Gray (NJIT), Julian Dozier Jr. (Fordham), Vlad Goldin (Texas Tech), Marty Silvera (St. Peter’s), Terrell Ard. Jr. (Alabama-Birmingham), D’Maurian Williams (Gardner-Webb University), Josh Gray (Louisiana State University), and Melvyn Ebonkoli (Missouri State) as other Division I commits from this season’s PSA team.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs. The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 860-963-0000.
Apri1 28
Joshua Flint, 29, Smith Street, Putnam; possession of a stolen license plate and misuse of registration.
May 1
Chevy Racine, 31, Groveland Avenue, Putnam; second-degree unlawful restraint, disorderly conduct, three counts of third-degree criminal mischief.
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