|
The tragedy of this is that the resurgence of the virus — including its mutated variant Delta form — was predictable and avoidable. Connecticut took the early lead in controlling the initial virus because we put into place severe, but reasonable, mandates. Then, when the vaccine became widely available, and the state reopened, we encouraged everyone to do the right, reasonable, safe thing and get vaccinated. Our health districts, municipal leaders, local pharmacies, and healthcare providers responded professionally and tirelessly. The State made the vaccine free and widely available.
But vaccination rates have leveled off. As of last week, the percentage of Connecticut's population that has gotten at least one shot stands at just over 70 percent (63 percent are fully vaccinated). The towns in the 36th General Assembly District have slightly better rates than the state average.
Government and medical providers continue to recognize that young children are not yet eligible, and some people with immunodeficiency cannot be vaccinated. They rely on the rest of us to keep them safe through community (“herd”) immunity. But because the science-averse minority put their own interests above that of the wider community, we are not there yet, and all of us are now paying the price. It didn’t have to be this way.
I keep thinking of the words of the frustrated Prince Escalus in Romeo and Juliet, when his pleas for responsible behavior were ignored.
“See, what a scourge is laid upon your hate,
That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love.
And I, for winking at your discords, too
Have lost a brace of kinsmen; all are punish’d.”
At this point, officials say 99 percent of Covid deaths are occurring among those who did not get vaccinated. But those of us who acted responsibly — and this includes the businesses who complied despite the financial burden on them — are needlessly put at risk.
I imagine some of those who are anti-maskers, who shouted “Open the state!” will be the first to complain if and when we have to go back into a partial or full lockdown. And those same angry parents shouting “Unmask our kids!” may soon have to reckon with finding childcare, or homeschooling, or the inconvenience of a hybrid model if there is a resurgence in our student and teacher population. It needs to be pointed out that while the original infection seemed to spare children its worst blow (other than being transmitters to older family members) the Delta variant is hitting young children especially hard. This is exactly the wrong time to make them more susceptible by denying them the safety of masks.
Governor Lamont is, for now, leaving it up to the discretion of our municipal leaders to decide whether or not to require masks in indoor spaces. I’m starting to hear from people who would prefer that the Governor make a uniform decision and not leave it up to the towns. Do you have an opinion? Please let me know!
Meanwhile, I have spoken to all the selectmen in our towns and here are the current protocols regarding public buildings. Please keep in mind this could change depending on the rate of infection and hospitalization.
In Chester, Deep River and Essex, the Town Hall are open to the public and masks are required for all staff and visitors. In Haddam, subject to change depending on the infection rate, masks at town meetings and in public buildings are required for unvaccinated people only. Read HERE about recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Our Town and State governments, working in conjunction with local health districts and healthcare providers, continue to provide tests, and rides to vaccination sites. Please, for the sake of your family and neighbors, take advantage of this if you have not already done so.
|
