Cristin McCarthy Vahey

Yesterday in my e-blast, I shared a phrase I have been using, which is we may be done with the virus, but it is not done with us. As we continue to learn more and shape our re-entry and recovery efforts, I wanted to share a few pieces of information that will help you understand and follow the comprehensive efforts being taken to help get us on a path towards containment and increased understanding of COVID-19.

Yesterday, the Governor announced the launch of what is called a seroprevalence study. According to the Governor’s press release, the study will examine the following questions:

• How much of the Connecticut population has been infected with the virus causing COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?
• How many Connecticut residents experienced mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 illness?
• Are there different characteristics, or risk factors, that are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as age, location, or underlying health conditions?”

This study will inform the state’s response efforts and direct resources appropriately.

As you know, I like to share good information from a variety or sources. In a recent newsletter from my alma mater, I learned that a new online tool has been developed to help track vaccine development. For those interested in following the global race to develop and manufacture a vaccine, you can use this tool.

Speaking of immunity, I wanted to share a recent article from The Day, regarding herd immunity. I think it is worth hearing directly from various public health experts about not only herd immunity, but antibody testing and actions being taken elsewhere and what that means for us here in Connecticut.

Earlier today, I listened in on a White House briefing call that included updates from CDC Director Robert Redfield and Surgeon General Jerome Adams. The CDC Director emphasized the importance of timely contact tracing as we move towards containment, as a way to break the chain of the virus. If you do test positive, please participate in these efforts, as they will help us collectively thwart the spread of the virus. The Surgeon General and others on the call again emphasized hand washing and the importance of isolation. Keep up those best practices.

Staying healthy is so important and we want to make sure you have access to health care, particularly if you have lost your healthcare due to a change in job status.

Time is running out as Access Health CT deadlines approach for residents that lost health insurance due to job loss. People can enroll any time within 60 days of losing their job, but the deadline to enroll is approaching fast for those who lost their health insurance in early April.

You can find more information and videos that describe in detail how to enroll on the Access Health CT website.

Make sure to also compare coverage to COBRA, the marketplace may offer a better, less expensive choice. For more information, click here.

And though Mental Health Awareness Month has ended, I will continue to share resources to help support individuals, students and families in connecting with resources to care for their mental health and well being.

This month, there are two opportunities for families with teens Wakeman Boys and Girls Club is offering a virtual screening and panel of the movie Screenagers, you can register for that event here. Fairfield CARES Community Coalition will offer a screening of the movie Angst and panel discussion on June 9th at 5:30. The goal of both films is to raise awareness, foster conversation and provide resources to families. Please spread the word.

The federal CARES Act excludes relief to any residents who are undocumented and any U.S. citizen who files taxes with an undocumented spouse or partner. It also denies emergency benefits to the U.S. citizen children of these parents. Connecticut is the first state in New England to provide targeted relief to these groups of citizens.

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