Patricia Dillon

COVID-19 has caused great suffering and disrupted jobs, our children’s
education and our lives. My condolences to those who have suffered
or lost loved ones to this disease.

How do we protect our communities and ourselves?

We can infect others even if we don’t show symptoms. When we
wear masks, stop shaking hands, get tested, stay home, avoid large
gatherings, wash hands thoroughly, and stand six feet apart - ‘social
distancing’ - we reduce the risk of getting infected and infecting
others. So far, this behavior has ‘flattened the curve,’ freed up hospital
beds and slowed down the virus in Connecticut.

Our community raced to collect protective equipment (PPE) for first
responders. We bagged masks to distribute in the community and
produced masks too. We brought food to our neighbors. We raised
needed dollars for programs that serve those in need and newly
jobless. We did well.

But the virus is still here. As businesses re-open, until treatments are
available, our own behavior - getting tested, self-isolating if you are
positive, wearing masks, and social distancing - will protect us and our
loved ones.

This summer, protecting our community is up to us.

FOOD AND NUTRITION

Seniors: Meal & Food Pantry Delivery Seniors who are New Haven
residents can receive food pantry and meal deliveries through the
City of New Haven Elderly Services Department. Residents must be
55+ years old for groceries and 60+ years old for meals. Call (203)
946-8550 for further information.

SNAP Benefits Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAPfood
stamps) is assistance to eligible individuals and families for
purchasing nutritious food at participating entities. Benefits are
deposited monthly to an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account.
Account holders are given a plastic EBT card that can be swiped like
a regular credit/debit card. End Hunger CT! can help you find out if
you are eligible. Use the online pre-screener or call 866-974-SNAP
(7627) to speak with a call center associate, available 7 days a week
in English and Spanish.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING
 

JOB LOSS/HOURS REDUCED: You may be eligible for benefits. To
find out mor e, visit: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF

HOUSING ASSISTANCE: Dial 2-1-1, press #3 then #4 if you have
a housing emergency. Participating financial institutions are now
offering mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days, allowing
homeowners to reduce or delay mortgage payments.

WHO’S AT RISK?

Anyone can be infected. Some face greater health risks than others
including people over the age of 65, racial minorities, those with
underlying health conditions (such as diabetes), and people who are
overweight.

What increases risk?
• Proximity to others which includes: residents and staff of
congregate settings such as nursing homes, ships (military
or recreational), correctional facilities; participants in large
gatherings such as concerts, sporting events, religious services,
and crowded airports.
• Work risk – first responders; health, transit, grocery, and factory
workers

Can risk be reduced? Yes - by proper mask wearing, hand washing,
and social distancing.

TESTING

Testing helps identify the infected so they can self-isolate and avoid
infecting others. People can be infected and not show symptoms.
Sometimes tests miss an infection (false negative) or your condition
can change, so it’s worth it to get tested more than once if possible.
All testing is available at no cost.

City of New Haven testing sites
https://covid19.newhavenct.gov/ No internet access? Call 211 for a
testing appointment.

Drive through, rapid testing, appointment only: CVS drive
through https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

In office, appointment only: Murphy Medical Associates 1312
Chapel St. (corner ofChapel and Day) Offers non-symptomatic
COVID-19 testing.Online registration required, https://coronatestct.
com/. Call for assistance: (203) 658-6051.
Open Daily: Mon., Tu., Fri. - Sun. 8am to 4pm; Wed. and
Thurs. 1 pm - 4 pm.

Dial 2-1-1 for Assistance or to report COVID violations,
Visit CT.Gov/Coronavirus for the
latest on state response efforts