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 1038. The chart below highlights the number of cases in the first six months of the pandemic versus the number of cases since September. The number of cases is expanding much more rapidly now than in the spring and summer. We are sad to report that there have been two deaths in the last few weeks bringing the total number of deaths since March to 48.
There is widespread community transmission in all three District towns. 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. Increasingly, we are seeing entire households affected by the virus.
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.
Up until this past week, children 12-18 years accounted for most cases of COVID-19 in children, mostly through sport activities. We suspect that family spread due to holiday activities accounts for the increase in cases for younger children last week.
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 four 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 the 14 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.