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Although Connecticut has made tremendous strides, we are not out of the woods just yet. Cases are on the rise around the country, including our state. A majority of the new cases were caused by the Delta variant, a highly contagious strain of COVID-19.
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Symptoms of the Delta variant are listed in the graphic below. If you have experienced any of these, I'd urge you to get tested as soon as possible. If you have questions about when you should get tested, or would like information about testing clinics near you, click here.
| As a result of the surging cases, we all should begin to take more precautions, regardless of your vaccination status. The CDC recommends universal mask wearing in indoor settings of in areas of substantial or high transmission.
They also said fully vaccinated people who have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
The best defense against COVID and any of its variants is getting vaccinated. If you or a loved one has not received the COVID-19 vaccine, I encourage you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Visit the CT Vaccine Portal if you need help finding a clinic in your area. |
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| Guidelines for Students Returning to School
Back to school season is upon us. In addition to the normal return to school jitters, there is a lot of concern and uncertainty surrounding the spread of COVID.
The CDC has issued guidelines that will help protect everyone during the school year:
- Getting Vaccinated is the best defense against COVID-19
- Outbreaks are less likely to occur in schools where teachers, staff, and students 12 years and older are fully vaccinated
- To find a vaccine clinic near you, click here
- To protect against the Delta variant, universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status, is recommended
- Students and staff should wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can also be utilized
Connecticut’s Children’s has put together a package of resources for parents who are concerned about returning their children to in-person learning. The Back to School kit includes articles about the potential impact of the delta variant in schools, as well as an update on a vaccine for children younger than 12. Click here to access the kit.
The back-to-school transition is often difficult, and the pandemic has certainly complicated the process further. However, if we work together, we will be able to keep our students, teachers and staff healthy for the duration of the school year.
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On Monday, August 30, I am co-hosting a COVID-19 awareness webinar. Dr. John Schreiber of Connecticut Children's Medical Center and I will hold a virtual discussion on the virus, the impact of the variant, masks in school, and any other COVID related concern. The event will be streamed live on my Facebook page. Click here or the image below to register. Hope to see you there!
Storm Resources
In the event of severe storms, residents are encouraged to prepare emergency supply kits. These can and should include at least one gallon of water per person per day, for both drinking and sanitation; a three-day supply of non-perishable food; a battery-powered radio; flashlights and extra batteries; first aid kits; garbage bags for sanitation; manual can openers for food; cell phones with chargers, inverters or solar charges; food and litter needs for any pets; and medicine or any special-need items, among other items.
Useful Resources
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