Cristin McCarthy Vahey

Some of you might remember the Ugly Dolls that were popular for children a number of years ago. Well today I am sharing my ugly mask photo with all of you to encourage you to adhere to the new CDC guidance to wear masks when you are out at the grocery store or pharmacy. Staying home and keeping 6 feet of physical distance is still the most important step we can take to stop the spread of this virus.

There is evidence that people can be contagious 48 hours before showing any symptoms. When you choose to wear a mask, you will help protect grocery store cashiers and others out on the front lines in the event you are unknowingly shedding the virus. Wearing a mask also gives you added protection. This is another step we can take to help protect ourselves and each other.

We need to save the N95 and surgical masks for our front line medical workers and first responders, but you can make one at home easily with just some simple supplies.

Governor Lamont urges volunteers from the general public to participate in Connecticut’s COVID-19 response efforts
 
Governor Lamont and a large number of state officials and nonprofit providers are urging Connecticut residents to consider taking on a volunteer role in their communities to help respond to the COVID-19 crisis. While the state already began a campaign seeking out volunteers who have health care experience, today the state is launching a campaign seeking volunteers from the general public who are needed for other services at many different types of providers, such as food banks, deliveries to the elderly, shelters, and more.

Volunteers from the general public will be matched with a community provider in need. Here are the basics:

• Volunteers must be 18 or older, and should not volunteer if at risk or compromised. Those who are immunocompromised, over 60, showing symptoms of COVID-19, or live with or care for someone in any of those categories should avoid being in public, including for volunteer efforts. Please stay safe, stay home.
• Volunteers do not need to be health care workers. In addition to calling on physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals who may be retired, the state needs community members to help out at food banks, food deliveries to the elderly, and at shelters in a number of ways.
• For those who do have a background in health care, the state’s medical community has specific needs at this time. Hospitals have advised the state that they have a high need for critical care nurses and repository therapists.
• Every effort is being made to keep volunteers safe. The state and all of the organizations involved are working hard to make sure that everyone helping out can do so as safely as possible. If any volunteers have concerns, they are strongly urged to ask about the safety protocols of the organization they are volunteering.
• Volunteers will be sent where they are most needed and feel most comfortable. The volunteer process is centralized so that the state and participating organizations have a clear picture of everyone who can help, and everything that is needed. That way, volunteers can be matched with an opportunity that is most in need of that person’s skill-set.

Those interested in volunteering should click here for information on how to register. For more information, read the press release issued today by Governor Lamont. As you adjust to this new fashion phenomenon, remember to continue to wash your hand vigorously, take extra care not to touch your face, and stay home completely if you are sick. Hospital officials tell me that diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, loss of taste and smell are all symptoms they are now seeing in COVID-19 positive patients. Please pay close attention and exercise additional caution if you have any of those symptoms. Please Stay Home, Stay Safe and help us work together to Save Lives.