Pomperaug Health District COVID-19 Testing Summary for November 29, 2020 – Continued Widespread Transmission
The Pomperaug Health District is closely monitoring COVID-19 testing results in our towns. The cumulative case count in the Pomperaug Health District is at 869. There is widespread community transmission in all three Health District towns, with cases continuing to rise every week. It is anticipated that holiday gatherings and the return of college students will contribute to a further increase in cases in the coming weeks.
Based upon information gathered during contact tracing, the main source of COVID-19 spread in our community is household contact as well as small and large gatherings with friends and family.
These charts are derived from Connecticut Electronic Disease Surveillance System (CTEDSS) which undergoes frequent revisions. As the system is updated, the numbers may fluctuate due to corrections, as is the case with these current charts.
This last week has seen a rise in cases for the 20-29 year-old age group, largely driven by social activities and get-togethers. Older adults continue to see a large increase in the number of cases. This is concerning, because this age group is at highest risk for severe illness. We are starting to see an increase in cases at congregate sites.
As a comparison, our highest number of weekly cases during the peak in the spring was 58 cases for the week of April 12, 2020. We have now surpassed that number for three weeks in a row.
The case rates for all three towns put the Health District in the red zone on the State’s COVID-19 Response Framework. This is a serious situation and persons vulnerable to serious COVID-19 illness, those 65 and older and those with underlying medical conditions, should be following CDC guidance for people at high risk. Be cautious about being in crowded places and attending gatherings with family and friends (multiple households) as this is a major mode of transmission in our Health District and the state.
It is imperative that people follow the following guidance:
- If you were tested for COVID-19 due to symptoms, being identified as a close contact, or due to recent travel, it is critical that you stay home until you get your test results, even if you are feeling well. The Health District, as well as other local health departments, have documented cases of people going to work, socializing and going to restaurants, personal care appointments and other similar activities, only to find out afterwards that their test results are positive.
- If you have been identified by the Pomperaug Health District, the school system or another health department as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, please stay home for the duration of your quarantine period. Even if you get tested and it’s negative, you still need to complete the14 day quarantine because you can develop COVID-19 for up to 14 days after exposure.
- Remember that the safest way celebrate the holidays is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.
- Wear your mask. Watch your distance. Wash your hands.
For more information on COVID-19 visit www.pddh.org.